According to 2013 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day in the United States more than nine people are killed, and more than 1,000 injured, in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Though distracted drivers have always shared the highways– witness people dealing with children or other passengers, eating or looking away from the road – the rise of mobile devices like smartphones has led to an increase in distracted-driving incidents. There are three forms of distraction:

* Visual distraction (taking your eyes off the road);

* Manual distraction (using your hands for something other than driving);

* Cognitive distraction (having your mind “elsewhere” while driving).

All three forms of distraction are aligned with the way people use their mobile devices in the car.

* As the CDC 2011 survey noted, 69 percent of U.S. drivers reported holding phone conversations while at the wheel.

* The CDC reports that 31 percent of adults age 18-64 reported reading or sending texts/emails while driving.

Taking steps In April 2013, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued distracted-driving guidelines that include:

* Limiting the time a driver takes his eyes off the road to 2 seconds at a time; and

* Disabling functions like texting unless the vehicle is in Park.

What you can do Set an example for your children — emphasize that all but the most urgent message can wait.

If you are a victim of a distracted drive If you have been in an accident caused by a distracted driver please contact us for help in pressing your case to cover your injury and loss of income.