April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In efforts to improve roadway safety across the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Distracted driving is a growing problem across the nation. In 2014, there were 3,179 deaths and 431,000 resulting from distracted driving accidents. Every day in the United States, approximately 8 people are killed in accidents involving distracted drivers and 1,161 are injured.

In Wisconsin, distracted driving was a contributing factor in 94 fatalities and 10,615 injuries in 2015.

The focus of this year’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month is on texting while driving. The NHTSA is targeting men and women ages 18 to 34 through television and radio advertising as well as messaging through social media channels.

Wisconsin Combats Distracted Driving

This month, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is focusing on educating drivers about preventing distracted driving through the use of a variety of outlets. Creative messaging featuring the distracted driving villain, “Distractor,” will be broadcasted on television and over the radio, as well as online through social media. Warnings will also be displayed via electronic signage along highways.

WisDOT will also be distributing state funds to several communities to aid law enforcement units combating driver distraction, including Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Juneau, La Crosse, Sauk, Waupaca, Portage, and Wood.

Wisconsin laws prohibit certain distracting behaviors behind the wheel. It is illegal for any driver to text while driving, and any drivers with probationary licenses or instruction permits are barred from using cell phones while driving, except under emergency circumstances.

If you have been harmed in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Milwaukee auto accident attorneys are available to help you pursue your legal claim – we will fight to maximize your compensation.

Call 414-333-3333 or complete our online form to request a free consultation.