There has been an increased focus on distracted driving lately. The is mostly due to the fact that more and more accidents being caused, or likely caused do to distracted driving. With all the toys and distractions available to us in our vehicles, and in the case of cell phones, in our pockets, this is not a surprise, and the incidents of distracted driving are likely to grow over the coming years.
At some point, however, there will likely be a turn-around on those numbers. Lawmakers are instituting more bans on cell phone use in cars, including the recent adoption by Florida to stop driving and texting. But there are other factors that will both drive down the number of distracted driving accidents and, at the same time, make those laws irrelevant.
While politicians work to keep people from using their distracting devices while behind the wheel, car companies are taking the consequences out of the drivers’ hands. Cars are being equipped with options like Automatic Braking, a system that combines sensors and computer processors to prevent high-speed crashes when is detects signs of a possible collision.
There are also companies, like Google, Tesla, and Cadillac, who are working to bring consumers vehicles that drive themselves. While it’s unlikely these options will be available in dealerships anytime soon with estimates of 2020 being the earliest we’re likely to see them on display.
Still, within our lifetimes, it is likely that your commute to work in the morning will entail getting into your car, plugging in a destination, and then sitting back to read a book, sort email, or watch the morning news while the vehicle takes you where you want to go. And with those changes, come the downfall of the distracted driver. If the car is driving, then it is irrelevant what the occupants are doing.
In the meantime, and until these futuristic vehicles are on the road, we need to do whatever possible to ensure distracted driving ends. At this time cars can’t drive themselves, and you and I are at the mercy of anyone texting, emailing, or calling someone else. So do your part, put the phone down, and pay attention to the road.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident due to someone else’s distracted driving, please contact us and let us know the details of your case. We will review your options with you and help you get your life back on track.
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. Orlando Car Accident Attorneys
