Driver Distractions For All Ages

California recently completed their annual “Teen Safe Driving Week,” but in reality teens are not the only drivers trying to multi-task behind the wheel. Studies show that one-fifth of experienced adult drivers in the U.S. text or use a cell phone while driving accounting for nearly 25 percent of all automotive accidents. The data shows experienced drivers are no better at driving while multi-tasking than inexperienced drivers. Age does not matter; an inattentive driver is dangerous and could prove deadly.

The California Highway Patrol said they could easily fill an entire calendar with a “safe driving week” – Soccer Mom Turning and Reaching into the Backseat, Midlife Crisis Guy in a Sports Car Driving Like He’s Playing a "Grand Theft Auto" Video Game, Motorcyclist Weaving Through Freeway Traffic at Breakneck Speed, Putting on Makeup Behind the Wheel, Road Rage Tail-gator, Shopper Backing Out of a Parking Space Like a Bullet Without Looking, and Freeway Lane Changer Who Refuses to Use a Turn Signal.

As technology continues to advance, the negative consequences of not paying attention become more pronounced. It affects so many lives; like the man who said that the last thing he ever said to his wife was “yeah.” This was the text on her phone moment before she slammed into a truck, careened down an embankment and died.

Most people wouldn’t think of getting in a car with someone who’s been drinking, so why do they think nothing of riding with someone who is talking on a cell phone or texting? We have laws, so why aren’t we seeing bigger changes? They are sometimes difficult to enforce, but that does not mean we give up. One way we can all help is to focus on the person at the other end of that cell phone. If you know the person you are communicating with, via talking or texting, is driving as the driver to pull over or call you back. If you believe they will not do that, then hang up. The point is that no one is invincible! No text is worth dying over. All of us, teens to octogenarians, should pay more attention to safe and responsible driving.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life funding is needed during litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.