Car Accidents on the Rise in Alabama - Is Distracted Driving to Blame?

As drivers, we know distracted driving is a potentially deadly habit, and yet so many of us continue to do it – a whopping 3 out of 4 people text while driving. You can sometimes spot the driver who has a phone in hand by their driving patterns.

A car barely going the speed limit in the fast lane with the driver looking down at their lap is a usually a telltale sign of distracted driving. So is a car that starts to drift into another lane without signaling and then suddenly jerks back between the dotted lines.  At best, these behaviors are frustrating to witness, and at worst, can be the cause of a deadly collision.The attorneys at Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann have represented victims of car, truck and motorcycle crashes for decades. We know firsthand one of the main causes of crashes on Alabama roadways today is distracted driving.Distracted driving can involve anything that removes our attention from the road, but the biggest culprit by and large are cell phones, or an inappropriately mounted GPS device.Attorney and Partner with the firm, Mike Bradley says, “From my experience handling car, truck, and motorcycle crash cases over the past 19 years, one of the main causes of motor vehicle crashes on Alabama roadways today is distracted driving. People are distracted with their cell phones, making and receiving calls, texting, looking at maps, finding a place to eat, or posting on social media."He went on to state, "statistics show that around 2.4 deaths occur each day in Alabama due to motor vehicle accidents. Distracted drivers have higher risks of failing to obey the rules of the road and cause crashes by speeding, failing to yield, tailgating, misjudging stopping distance, improperly changing lanes, swerving, crossing the center line, and simply not paying attention.”

Accident Causes in Alabama

Below are the main causes of accidents in our state in 2012. Keep in mind that although distracted driving is not a separate line item in this table, it often contributes to the accident.

Taking a Closer Look at the Numbers

2012 Alabama motor vehicle accident statistics revealed:

• About 351 accidents occurred across the state each day in 2012, or 1 about every 4 minutes;
• 870 people died in Alabama vehicle collisions in 2012, meaning a death happened roughly every 10 hours; and
• 40,202 people were injured, or about one car accident injury every 13 minutes.

Better Habits for Safer Roads

Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann encourages all drivers to avoid distracted driving habits, so we can all enjoy safer roadways across Alabama. If you or a loved one falls victims to a distracted or careless driver, please contact us 7 days a week at (205) 322-8880. We will fight for your rights and maximize the compensation you receive for your damages and injuries.