Distracted Driving in Oregon: The Dangers of Technological Distractions

Distracted Driving - Texting InfographicAs technology progresses, so does the epidemic of distracted driving. It is a problem on the rise because we are living in a society that craves convenience and tends to reward multitasking.

Oregon drivers know it is illegal to drive while operating a hand-held cell phone device, yet distracted driving accidents are still on the rise. Just on my way into work today I witnessed a driver next to me looking down at her phone and another behind me holding a cell phone to his ear – both were adult drivers. Many people think it is the teens who are causing car accidents in Portland due to texting, but actually a recent study showed adults are doing almost as much texting while driving as teenagers. In a Pew research Center survey, nearly half (47%) of adults who use text messaging said they had sent or received messages while driving.

Car accidents in Portland cause injury to innocent victims

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Information reports in 2012, there were 3,328 people killed in the U.S. (10% of all fatal crashes) and an estimated additional 421,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

In Oregon alone, 65 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers from 2008 to 2012, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Distracted Driving Educational Resources For Your Family

Driving While Distracted

As a Portland car accident lawyer, I know the impact these accidents can have on families and the pain that is caused when innocent people are hurt and lives are destroyed. As a concerned father of two children, I believe one of the best ways to help reduce distracted driving accidents in Oregon is to educate drivers, especially teen drivers, about the imminent dangers and repercussions of driving while not paying attention. It terrifies me to think of my family on Portland roads with unsafe drivers who don’t know the risks they are taking or actually don’t care.

Sometimes reading facts and powerful statics don’t always make an impact. Below are additional resources to help Oregon parents talk to teen drivers and set ground rules for when they are behind the wheel.

Distraction.gov – You can print out a family pledge form and have every family member commit to distraction-free driving. This website has  talks about setting a positive example for you kids with ideas such as placing your phone in the glove box or trunk every time you drive.

Faces of Distracted Driving – again from Distraction.gov, this is a powerful page that shares personal stories of victims of distracted driving.

It Can Wait – A great informational website that started the texting shortcut “#X” before you drive campaign that has been backed by many celebrities.  This website offers a tips and tools page with a list of downloadable apps to help curb the temptation of texting and driving.

Holding Oregon Distracted Drivers Accountable

Attorney_Travis_MayorAs a distracted-driving accident attorney in Portland, Travis Mayor carefully examines the circumstances of the accident, obtains cellphone records, and investigates all other important facts that could lead to the compensation you deserve.

If a member of your family has been fatally injured or suffered a catastrophic injury by another person’s negligence, recklessness or intentional conduct, including distracted driving, attorney Travis Mayor can help.  Initial case evaluations are always free. Call (503) 444-2825, or email travis@mayorlaw.com to discuss your personal injury case.