Distracted driving is responsible for a large portion of Laredo car accidents. It is a problem that has been the subject of much media attention in recent years. Public safety campaigns, print media coverage, and even plot lines of popular television shows revolve around the dangers associated with distracted driving.
In spite of these well-known risks, many drivers continue to let themselves be distracted. This is why distracted driving continues to be a public safety hazard across the United States.
The Real Problems Behind Distracted Driving
Ars Technica reported on an interesting finding of an Esurance survey, which was that more than 90 percent of respondents agreed that browsing apps, emailing and texting were distracting. Yet more than half the respondents also admitted to engaging in these same behaviors. This suggests that in spite of the warnings drivers are receiving about the dangers of distracted driving, we aren't yet using this knowledge to change our driving habits.
Other preconceived notions about distracted driving may also be interfering with successful habit changes. A study published in the Journal of Transport and Health found that distracted driving was high among middle-aged adults. This runs contrary to the stereotype that teens and young adults are the only drivers distracted by their smart phones. It is worth noting that higher distracted-driving rates were found among adults who felt pressure to take work calls while driving. This corresponded with a drop in distracted driving among older adults of retirement age.
Studies such as this are important to developing a better understanding of the distracted driving problem. Only then can public awareness campaigns be used more efficiently to address the underlying causes of distraction. For example: a public awareness campaign might have a higher success rate if it suggested ways in which drivers can prevent themselves from taking work calls, emails or texts while driving. Having an away message or using "do not disturb" settings could assist in these efforts.
Local Statistics About Laredo Car Accident Fatalities
In the summer of 2017, the Laredo Police Department announced a surprising increase in the number of 2016 auto accident fatalities in both Laredo and Webb County. LMT Online reports that the fatality statistics nearly doubled for both the city and the county. Laredo had seen an average of 10 to 15 fatalities per year between 2011 and 2015, but experienced 28 fatalities in 2016.
Similarly, Webb County went from a previous average of 22 fatalities to 46 in 2016. The Laredo Police Department also reported that, of the 28 fatalities in the city, 10 were due to a lack of seat belt use, and only three were related to alcohol. Distracted driving was also found to be on the rise. While 2011 saw 710 auto accidents attributable to distracted driving, this number had nearly doubled to 1,269 by 2016.
Distracted drivers can cause lifelong injuries, impairments, and financial losses for victims. When a distracted driver causes a car accident, it is important to have the advice of an auto accident attorney who can hold negligent drivers accountable for their dangerous actions. Safety on the roads of Laredo depends upon each individual motorist accepting responsibility for implementing safe driving habits.