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Distracted Driving vs. DUI — What’s The Worst Of Two Evils?

It’s just a text — it will only take a second. This may be what a driver thinks before pulling out their phone and causing an accident. Many people may think that texting while driving cannot be the worst thing they could do, especially compared to driving under the influence (DUI). However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Texting, whether sending or receiving a message, that takes the driver’s eyes away from the road for 4.6 seconds while traveling 55 miles per hour is likened to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

What is distracted driving?

 Distracted driving is any non-driving activity performed while driving. This can be texting or using a cell phone or hand-held device, but it can also be:

  • Attending to passengers or children
  • Changing the radio station
  • Using a navigation device
  • Putting on makeup
  • Eating or drinking
  • Reading a book or a map

Distracted driving is broken down into three categories: visual, manual and cognitive. Texting is the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it involves all three types.

If you were injured in a crash that involved an alcohol-impaired or distracted driver, they should be held responsible for their negligence. An injury lawyer can fight for your right to receive compensation to help take care of your financial and emotional losses.