Distracted driving has become a major issue across the nation, and many states have been forced to adopt legislation curtailing drivers’ use of cell phones while in their vehicle. While all types of cell phone use can lead to distracted driving, texting is perhaps the single most common type of use leading to auto accidents that cause injuries and even fatalities.
In late 2017, WSMV in Nashville reported that the state of Tennessee as a whole had experienced over 22,700 accidents related to distracted driving during the year, with 81 of those leading to fatalities. Ultimately, 24,781 crashes resulted from distracted driving in Tennessee by the close of 2017. That was up significantly from the previous year, marking the highest point yet in a growing trend. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, the totals for distracted driving from 2008 to 2017 are as follows:
As you can see, in all but 2013, there was a definite increase in the number of accidents related to distracted driving. In fact, the problem has become so widespread and so severe that authorities rank it as being more dangerous than drinking and driving. In an interview with Channel 10 News, Deputy Josh Riggle of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office stated, “Distracted driving has actually become a bigger problem than drinking and driving. You don’t even have to be in a police car, just your everyday drive you’ll see multiple people just texting and driving.” State-wide, distracted driving has resulted in triple the fatalities of driving under the influence (DUI).
The surge in distracted driving-related accidents and fatalities has had a significant impact on Tennessee drivers. One of those impacts is the adoption of much stricter laws related to distracted driving. Texting while behind the wheel will get you a ticket and a fine for around $60. Using your GPS without a hands-free mount can cost you up to $150. Note that “distracted driving” is usually considered any sort of cell phone use other than making a phone call.
Drivers in Tennessee are also paying more in insurance premiums because of distracted driving. In fact, the state saw the fifth highest increase in insurance premiums in the country in 2018, with four cities ranking in the top 10 nationally for incidences of distracted driving (Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis).
The solution to this issue is simple: put the phone down and pay attention to the road.
After spending his secondary years of study at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, G Turner Howard III earned his BA at Tulane University. A member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he earned a Master’s and Doctor of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience, his firm has helped clients receive millions of dollars for personal injury, and in many cases, much faster than they ever expected.
