When a person is young, it is easy to believe that he or she is immortal. Many high school students around the country and in Wisconsin do not consider the fact that something seemingly innocent such as texting can lead to a car accident. Sending a text only takes a few seconds, but a few seconds is all it takes to lose control of a vehicle.
Many people do not realize that in five seconds, a vehicle can travel the distance of a football field. Many things can happen over the length of a football field. For this reason, some Wisconsin high school students were given a presentation regarding the dangers of texting and driving.
A simulator was brought in to show just how quickly things could go awry. Some students were shocked at how little control they have over a vehicle while texting. One student sitting at the simulator ran a stop sign in the time it took to take his phone out of his pocket. He never even got the chance to send a text.
The hope is that the presentation and opportunity to use the simulator provided a wake-up call to the students. Distracted driving, including those who are texting, seems to be on the rise here in Wisconsin and around the country. The technology that is supposed to enhance our lives is ending it as well.
Wisconsin drivers who allow themselves to be distracted by their phones while driving put themselves, their passengers and everyone else on the road at risk of a car accident. Victims — or their families if a victim dies — have the right to file civil actions against a distracted driver. If a driver is found negligent, the plaintiff or plaintiffs may be awarded damages allowed under state laws.
Source: chippewa.com, “Bloomer students get crash course in the dangers of distracted driving“, Caleb Brown, May 8, 2014
