Jan. 24, 2013
Distracted driving is a major problem across the United States. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that, in 2010 alone, nearly 4,000 people were killed and more than a half million people were injured in crashes involving distracted driving. In fact, almost 20 percent of all crashes in 2010 involved some type of distraction.
These dangers were highlighted in a story from FOX 11 News that discussed how a 19-year-old woman from Little Chute, Wisconsin, is now facing homicide charges after causing a car accident while texting and driving.
The Appleton Car Accident happened during the early morning hours of July 28 along Kimberly Avenue in Outagamie County as the young woman was traveling eastbound. She was texting on her phone when she veered toward the shoulder and struck a 46-year-old victim who was riding a bike. Witnesses called paramedics to the scene and rushed the victim to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the man died as a result of his injuries several days later.
Following a complete investigation into the accident, it was announced yesterday that prosecutors would be charging the woman with negligent homicide as well as several other minor charges.
The Oshkosh car accident attorneys with Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham encourage motorists to do their part to keep Wisconsin’s highways safe by never using an electronic handheld device while driving.