Distracted driving remains a critical issue on Nebraska’s roads. Despite numerous campaigns and laws to curb this dangerous behavior, the statistics indicate that it continues to cause harm and loss. As residents of Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond, understanding the impact of distracted driving is crucial for the safety of our communities.
Distracted driving car accidents by the numbers
In 2019, the consequences of distracted driving in Nebraska were severe. As the state Dept. of Health and Human Services reports, there were:
- 19 fatalities
- 1,495 injuries
- 3,060 property damage only crashes
From 2010-19, distracted driving caused:
- 40,946 crashes
- 14,018 injuries
- 119 fatalities
On average, each year:
- 12 people are killed
- 1,401 are injured in 4,094 crashes
These statistics are a sobering reminder of the dangers that distracted driving poses.
The impact on young drivers is particularly alarming. In 2019, 41 of the 134 traffic crashes involving cell phone distractions included teen drivers, which is 31% of the total.
The law in Nebraska
Unlike most states and U.S. territories, Nebraska law does not make texting use while driving a primary offense. This means police officers cannot pull over a motorist for using their smartphone behind the wheel, though they can pull that driver over for some other reason, such as speeding, and add a texting and driving charge to the ticket. The vast majority of states have made texting and other handheld smartphone use while driving a primary offense. Such laws prevent thousands of car crash injuries and dozens of deaths per year in the U.S., according to research.
Distracted driving continues to be a significant safety problem in Nebraska. The statistics are not just numbers; they represent families, friends, and neighbors whose lives have been affected by a moment of inattention. Victims and their families could benefit from discussing the extent of the damages they have suffered with a personal injury attorney.