Each year, over 400,000 people are injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers.
Distracted driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving. As people are getting more and more addicted to mobile devices, the number of car accidents caused by distracted drivers is on the rise. St. Louis car accident lawyers believe that it is extremely important for concrete steps to be taken to curb the danger of texting and driving.
“Designated Texter” Campaigns
A campaign to prevent car accidents caused by distracted drivers is that of a “designated texter”. As the name suggests, the concept of a designated texter can be likened to that of a designated driver; you designate another person to respond to phone calls or text messages while you concentrate on driving and the road ahead. The idea is that the driver should avoid all kinds of distractions, so as to avoid any accidents. “Designated Texter” campaigns are designed to motivate everyone to avoid using mobile devices while driving, and instead have another person respond to calls and text messages.
Reasons To Use a “Designated Texter”
• A designated texter is perfect for anyone who cannot stay off his or her phone for professional or personal reasons. The designated texter lets you stay connected with your colleagues, friends, kids, or family when you are not in a position to switch off the phone or put it way.
• Almost 90 percent of drivers agree that it is dangerous to text while driving, but shockingly, as many as half of them still admit that they text and drive. Such people pose a huge threat to the safety of other drivers on the road, and a designated texter can help prevent car accidents.
• Surveys reveal the majority of teenagers agree that texting and driving is dangerous. However, two thirds still admit to texting and driving.
• Having a designated driver allows you to focus on the road ahead while you are driving.
• Another benefit of having a designated texter is that you are setting a good example for the designated texter to follow. It is quite common for parents to have their child as a designated texter. Doing so demonstrates to children the importance of safe driving.
Ultimate Responsibility Is With the Driver
St. Louis car accident lawyers believe that a designated texter can help keep everyone on the road safer. However, it is not practical to have a designated texter every time you drive. Ultimately, it is the driver who has the responsibility to put the phone way and respond to text messages after he or she reaches their destination. If it is too urgent to wait, the driver should pull over and text rather than texting while driving.
If you have become the victim of a distracted driver, consult with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242 to understand your legal rights.