Investigators Examine Fatal Lake County Auto Accident
Two people died after a serious auto accident on June 1 in Lake County. One of the drivers, a 19-year-old male, crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic and slammed head-on into the other vehicle, driven by a 62-year-old man. Both drivers were killed. Another motorist coming upon the scene hit one of the vehicles and suffered minor injuries.
Although police are still investigating the underlying cause of this crash, it appears that distracted driving may have been a factor. More than ever, drivers face a myriad of distractions when they are behind the wheel, including passengers, cell phones and other electronic devices. Distraction occurs any time drivers take their eyes off the road and focus on something else, even momentarily.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, younger and less-experienced drivers are more likely to succumb to distractions, with 16 percent of all distracted driving crashes involving motorists under the age of 20. The agency estimates that at any moment during the day, more than 660,000 vehicles on U.S. roads contain drivers using cell phones to talk or text.
Engaging in distracted driving is not the only way motorists cause problems when they get behind the wheel. Despite the known risks, drunk driving remains one of the most prevalent causes of motor vehicle accidents. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) estimates that in 2011, between 15 and 30 percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes were drunk, and approximately 28 people die as a result of drunk driving accidents every day.
Just as with distracted driving, drunk driving poses risks not only to the driver, but also to everyone else on the road. Drunk drivers have slower response times and are less able to maintain control of their vehicles. They also have a tendency to speed or take other unnecessary risks.
When drivers are impaired through distraction or intoxication, they may cause serious injuries or death to other drivers and passengers. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a distracted or drunk driver, speak with a Lake County auto accident attorney right away.
