Distracted driving can lead to serious and fatal car accidents

These days, nearly every person has a smartphone. The convenience provided by this technology can certainly enhance the lives of Delaware residents. However, these devices can also be blamed for the rise in car accidents. Distracted driving continues to be a major problem in this country. Recently, an off-duty police officer was hit with serious charges after his distracted driving caused a fatal crash.

According to reports, the off-duty officer was driving a pickup truck on South Dupont Highway approaching stopped traffic. Police reports said he failed to see the stopped traffic and slammed into the rear of an SUV, knocking the SUV into a UPS truck. Apparently, the impact was so violent that it caused a cascade of crashes involving two other vehicles.

Tragically, a female occupant in the SUV was killed in the crash, authorities said. It was believed that the off-duty officer was driving at a high rate of speed and using his cellphone, causing him to take his focus off of the road. Witnesses said the man began asking for his phone shortly after the crash. He was charged with manslaughter as well as other serious offenses.

Distracted driving is a growing concern in Delaware and across the country. Every day in the United States, statistics say that nine people are killed and more than 1,000 others are injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers. Those who suffer injury or loss due to no fault of their own in an accident such as this could benefit from discussions with an attorney. Damages from a successful claim could provide families with vital financial relief.