A woman was lucky to have escaped a reported texting-while-driving accident without any serious injuries earlier this week, according to various news reports. Many Huntington area residents may have heard or read reports regarding the car accident, in which a driver lost control of her vehicle, crashed into a tree and wound up in a lake.
The 25-year-old woman was driving in Waldorf, Maryland, while texting Tuesday afternoon when she lost control of her car, according to police. Her vehicle ended up in about five feet of water, about 20 yards from the road she had been driving on, and she was able to escape through a window.
The driver was transported to a medical facility for a medical evaluation after the car accident, but she initially did not show any signs of injuries.
The accident remains under investigation, although the driver told police officers that she was texting before she lost control of her car.
Distracted driving is one of the biggest car accident risks today, and cellphone use is a major part of that. When people are talking, texting or using smartphones for other purposes behind the wheel, they are risking their lives and the lives of others.
It is very fortunate in this case discussed above that the driver was not seriously hurt, and that she did not harm others.
In 2011, more than 3,300 people lost their lives in car accidents that were caused by distracted drivers. About 387,000 people were injured that year in crashes caused by distracted drivers.
Those who are harmed by distracted driving may be able to hold the negligent driver responsible for their medical expenses and other costs. Victims of distracted driving may benefit from legal counsel.
Source: The Washington Post, “Driver, said to be texting, ends up in a pond,” Martin Well, Sept. 10, 2013