Distracted Driving Accidents in Nevada

The Distracted Driving Epidemic

In 2012, 3,328 people died in distracted driving accidents and approximately 421,000 people were injured — up 9% from the previous year. As the number of electronic devices used in vehicles increases, so do injuries and fatalities.

Four Categories of Distraction

The Governors Highway Safety Association recognizes four types:

1. Visual — Looking away from the road
2. Auditory — Listening to something unrelated to driving
3. Manual — Removing hands from the steering wheel
4. Cognitive — Thinking about something other than driving

Texting: The Most Dangerous Distraction

Texting combines three of the four categories — visual, manual, and cognitive. Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to be in a crash. A Texas A&M study found that reaction times are over four seconds slower when texting.

Nevada Law

Nevada law (NRS 484B.165) prohibits handheld use of cell phones while driving. Texting while driving is specifically banned. Violations carry fines, and repeated offenses result in increased penalties.

Distraction = Negligence

A distracted driver is a negligent driver. If you’re injured by a distracted driver, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.