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(USGovernment-News.Com, February 28, 2013 ) TULSA OK - Texting while driving is the leading cause of auto accidents in the United States today. It contributes to 25 percent of all auto accidents and 21 percent of fatal teenage auto accident each year. If we break down the average time it takes to send a text it equates to around five seconds. Now, if a vehicle is traveling at 60 miles per hour while sending a text, they would have covered roughly the whole length of a football field. This means that an individual who is texting was not paying attention to their surroundings while covering 120 yards of ground. Keep in mind that most automobile accidents occur in the blink of an eye.
As a result to the dramatic increase in accidents caused by texting while driving, health and public safety officials are rallying to pass a bill that would make it illegal to text while driving in the state of Oklahoma. Last week the House Transportation Committee passed State House Bill 1503, which would make it illegal for any individual to send, read, or compose a text while an automobile is in motion. If this bill is approved by the House Calendar Committee, it will move to the full House for a vote. If passed, individuals who are caught texting and driving would be fined up to $500.00.
However, if this bill fails to pass, we can expect to continue seeing an increase in texting while driving accidents. As an example; in 2005 there were over 50 billion texts sent, while five years down the road, in 2010, that number increased to over 1.7 trillion text messages sent. By viewing these numbers it is evident that texting while driving is a major issue that needs to be dealt with immediately.
At The Edwards Law Firm we advise all drivers to put their cell phone down and pay full attention to the road and abide by all traffic laws. If you are involved in an auto accident by an individual who was texting while driving, our Tulsa auto accident attorneys stress the importance of staying calm, calling the police, taking pictures, pulling over to a save place, activating emergency flashers, and exchanging information. It is crucial to stay calm and avoid as much commotion as possible in these types of situations. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by the negligence of another individual, The Edwards Law Firm is prepared to help you receive the maximum compensation for your losses. Visit us today at www.edwardslawok.com.
About The Edwards Law Firm
The Edwards Law Firm serves clients throughout the state of Oklahoma. With offices located in McAlester and Tulsa Oklahoma, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice for injury and accident victims. We believe that every person deserves access to top legal counsel, regardless of their financial situation. Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.
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