April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Indiana

Distracted Driving by the Numbers

Distracted driving continues to be a major issue along roads and highways in The Hoosier State. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that an inattentive driver causes roughly 17 percent of all crashes that result in an injury. The Terre Haute car accident attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin point out that means more than 421,000 people were hurt as the result of distracted driving last year alone.

Driver Inattention Causes Indiana Truck Accident

To put into perspective just how common distracted driving accidents are in our state, reports indicate that blame for a recent Indiana truck accident is being placed on an inattentive driver. Records show the crash happened on Wednesday, April 15, along I-65 outside of Indianapolis.

According to The Indianapolis Star, the 35-year-old driver of a tractor-trailer was “messing with the radio” in his truck when he drifted off the highway and struck an abandoned car.

Fighting Distracted Driving in Indiana

Accidents like these have prompted many to take action to put an end to distracted driving in Indiana. State officials have declared the month of April Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As part of the campaign, teens are being encouraged to partake in the Drive Now, TXT L8R social media contest. The contest challenges our state’s young people to create viral social media content that brings the dangers of distracted driving into perspective for their peers. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners.

Our Terre Haute personal injury lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos and Newlin hope you’ll also choose to get involved with battling distracted driving by pledging not to use your phone or other electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.