If you’re behind the wheel and need to shoot off a quick text message or check an address, it may be tempting to reach for your phone. The risk isn’t worth it. Distracted driving is a habit that endangers you and those around you. Here, the personal injury attorney of Marc D. Orloff, Attorney At Law in Orange County, NY, explains why even a short text message is dangerous.

How Texting Impacts Driving Ability

Distracted driving was responsible for 391,000 injuries and 3,477 deaths in 2015 alone. Texting is particularly problematic; it’s been shown that sending or reading a message requires a driver to take their eyes off the road for five seconds on average. If you’re going 55 mph on a highway, this amount of time is the equivalent of traveling the length of an entire football field.

Responsible driving requires your full attention. If you must use the phone, pull the car over to a safe spot. Some people turn their devices off when behind the wheel to avoid the temptation to text while on the road.

What Victims of Distracted Driving Can Do

Even if you are taking care and paying attention behind the wheel, others may not be so conscientious. If you are in a car accident and believe the other driver is at fault, consult a personal injury attorney to determine if you have a case. Note that New York has strict laws that ban drivers from using portable handheld devices. 

Residents of Orange County, NY, turn to Marc D. Orloff, Attorney At Law, for quality legal counsel and representation. With over 30 years of experience, this personal injury attorney has developed a reputation for personalized service and will fight aggressively to get you the results you deserve. Find out more about the law office’s practice areas, from auto accidents to medical malpractice, online. To schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney, call (845) 294-8974 today.