In the United States, April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving has become a deadly problem on our roads. In 2018, there were 2,841 people killed and an estimated 400,000 were injured in distracted driving crashes. It’s important we all do our part to keep our roads safe for other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) partners with State and local law enforcement through the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. Forty-eight states, as well as Washington D.C., Guam, and the Virgin Islands have passed laws making it illegal to text while driving. During the U. Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign, law enforcement will be hypervigilant in looking for distracted drivers, enforcing texting laws, and reminding drivers of the dangers associated with distracted driving.
Safety Tips to Follow
You can help spread awareness and encourage action for more focused and safe driving by following these tips:
- Go hands-free – invest in a Bluetooth speaker or headset so, if needed, you can make calls with minimal distractions.
- Avoid distractions – If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first. If you have passengers, ask someone to be a “designated texter” to handle your phone calls and texting. Cell phone use is habit-forming. If you can’t resist the temptation to look at your phone, activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” function, or put your phone in your back seat, glove box, or trunk until you reach your destination.
- Take the pledge to not text and drive. It can wait – No text or post is worth the potentially deadly consequences.
The Importance of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage
In Oklahoma, it is required that drivers carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists (UM) coverage is additional and not required by law, but we can’t stress the importance of it, especially given the rise of distracted driving happening on our roads.
UM coverage in Oklahoma pays you, members of your family, and passengers of your car for personal injuries from an accident that was caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, an underinsured motorist, or a hit and run driver. However, UM does not cover damage to your car, which is covered by separate collision coverage. UM coverage does, however, cover you even if you are walking, biking, or sitting on your porch and are struck by a negligent driver.
For more information about UM coverage, please call your insurance carrier.
Fulmer Sill is Here For You
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, count on our team to help you. As injury attorneys, we have the experience, resources, and know-how to navigate your case and seek justice on your behalf. All initial consultations are free, and we don’t charge any up-front fees for representation. We handle all fees on a contingency basis, meaning that unless we’re successful, you don’t have to pay us. Please contact us at (405) 433-7414 for a free consultation.