Las Vegas Has “Zero Tolerance” for Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is responsible for more vehicle crashes than drunk driving. With the ability to text, call, or email at any moment, it has become increasingly difficult for drivers to focus on one thing at a time. However, safe driving requires just that: consistent focus and attention. Any activity that shifts a driver’s attention from the road creates a “distracted driving” situation. As these accidents continue to rise across the country, Las Vegas has adopted a “Zero Tolerance” stance to go hand-in-hand with its existing “Zero Fatalities” campaign.
What is Distracted Driving?
Most people immediately think of texting or cell phone use when they hear the term “distracted driving.” These are considered the most dangerous forms of distracted driving because they require the driver’s cognitive, physical, and visual attention, all at the same time. Research shows that texting results in a delayed reaction time very similar to driving while intoxicated. While cell phone-related distraction is exceedingly dangerous and highly publicized, distracted driving also includes:
- using the radio, CD player, or MP3 player,
- using the navigation system,
- eating or drinking,
- reading a map or directions,
- checking the mirror, and
- interacting with passengers.
The Myth of Multitasking
Multitasking is well understood in American culture as the ability to perform many tasks simultaneously. It is a highly praised “talent” under certain circumstances; however, driving is never one of these circumstances. In fact, recent scientific research has proven that multitasking is actually the brain shifting quickly from one task to another, not handling multiple tasks at once, as is often thought. The research also shows that this process of rapid re-direction, called “serial tasking,” is actually counteractive to efficiency and focus – the exact opposite of what is generally assumed. Serial tasking actually results in a 40 percent increase in the time it takes to perform a task, creating an inherently dangerous scenario while operating a vehicle.
Statistics
Government statistics reveal the disturbing truth that cell phone use and other distractions can alter lives in an instant:
- In 2013, distracted driving caused 3,154 fatalities in the U.S.
- Drivers under 20 years old are the largest demographic of distracted drivers.
- 40 percent of teenagers admit to having been in danger due to driver cell phone use.
- A single text distracts a driver’s vision from the road for approximately 4.6 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that equals the length of a football field.
De Castroverde Law Group
Las Vegas’ “Zero Tolerance” campaign was put in place to reduce distracted driving and prevent serious injuries and death. Distracted driving has taken on epidemic proportions in Nevada, and across the country. If you’ve been injured as a result of distracted driving, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, transportation costs, and lost wages. At De Castroverde Law Group, our legal team is committed to providing personalized, aggressive, and effective representation. Defense attorneys Orlando and Alex De Castroverde share a lifetime of experience as their late father, Waldo De Castroverde, built his practice from the ground up. If you reside in the Las Vegas area, contact De Castroverde Law Group for an initial consultation.