Group Seeks to Educate Motorists About The Dangers of Talking or Texting

The federal government and the National Safety Council have joined together to further raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The new initiative comes in the form of FocusDriven, a nonprofit advocacy group along the lines of Mothers Against Drunk Driving that will push for a nationwide ban on cell phone use in the car. FocusDriven’s new website hosts information on distracted driving, help for victims and family members, and ways to get involved.

Laws vary from state to state about whether it’s okay to talk on your cell phone while driving. Some experts even argue that hands-free operation (which is usually legal everywhere) is unsafe. In the meantime, the U.S. Transportation Department has vowed to push for an outright ban on using wireless devices while driving that would apply to all 50 states. But texting behind the wheel in particular has emerged as a major cause of national concern. You are more 23 times more likely to get into a car crash while texting, according to one study. And when it comes to road accidents, some safety experts say it is even more dangerous than drunk driving. Nineteen states have already banned the practice by adult motorists. Current Indiana law prohibits texting by teenage drivers only, although a bill has just been introduced in the Indiana General Assembly that would apply to everyone.

Fortunately, most Indiana motorists drive responsibly. However, if you or a loved one have been injured on Indiana roads by a distracted driver, contact the personal injury lawyers at Young and Young. Rest assured that our firm, which has been operating under the Young and Young name for more than 55 years, has the knowledge to fully and aggressively represent Hoosiers and their families who have been hurt or killed in a traffic crash on Indiana roads. Although the technology has obviously changed over the years, our high-level of legal representation has remained constant. We stand ready to help you and your family.