Texting While Driving Can Have Deadly Consequences in New Hampshire
December 27, 2019
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 10 percent of fatal car accidents involve a distracted driver. Specifically, data suggested that six percent of all drivers involved in a deadly accident were distracted at the time of the crash, and nine percent of teenage drivers between 15 and 19 years old were distracted. Moreover, there were close to 600 non-occupants, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, who were killed by a distracted driver. Distracted drivers may be liable for New Hampshire car accidents caused by their negligent driving.
Distracted driving occurs whenever a driver diverts their attention from driving and paying attention to the road to something else. Common distracted driving behaviors include texting while driving, dialing a number on a cell phone, eating, changing the music on a device, watching a video, tending to passengers or animals, and fatigue. These behaviors can have potentially deadly consequences for everyone on the road.
For example, recently, a national news report described the harrowing details of a fatal accident that occurred because a driver was texting. A woman was texting her husband about their dinner plans when she rear-ended the car in front of her. As a result of the impact, the vehicle that she rear-ended crashed into a woman who was taking a walk while on a work break. Tragically, the pedestrian died a few days after the collision. The texting driver stated that she only looked down for a moment, and when she looked up, the car was right in front of her. A jury found the woman guilty of vehicular manslaughter, and she is facing up to 10 years in prison, in addition to possible civil claims.
New Hampshire considers texting while driving a “primary offense.” This designation allows police officers to pull over a texting driver even if they are not committing any other offense. The law is designed to deter drivers from using their phones to make calls or write text messages while operating their vehicles. Additionally, in 2015, New Hampshire established the “hands-free” law, which bars any hand-held device usage when a person is driving. Studies indicate that distracted driving can delay reaction time to the same extent as drunk driving. Despite these disturbing findings, people continue to engage in this unsafe behavior.
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of a Distracted New Hampshire Driver?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a distracted New Hampshire motorist, you should contact the experienced injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The attorneys at our law firm can help you understand your rights and pursue any and all potential remedies. Often, distracted driving accidents have significant consequences, including severe physical injuries, psychological trauma, and property damage. The attorneys at our law firm can help you seek compensation for these losses. Compensation often includes payments for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic losses. Contact our office at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated New Hampshire injury attorneys.