The distracted driving epidemic is reaching massive proportions in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed in distracted driving-related crashes in 2015. A whopping 391,000 individuals were injured in accidents caused by distracted driving.
When most people think of distracted driving, they think of texting while driving or talking on a phone while driving.
While these are prime examples of distracted driving, a recent trend may prove to be the most astonishing of all: Taking videos while driving, or live streaming while driving.
Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram allow users to live stream – or broadcast events as they happen live. Unfortunately, when this technology is used in the wrong way – for example, when driving – the results can be deadly.
Teen Driver Live Streams Crash And Deadly Aftermath
A teen driver from California is in the news after she live streamed herself getting into a car accident that killed her sister.
Obdulia Sanchez, 18, was driving her 14-year-old sister and a 14-year-old friend. She was live streaming on Instagram when she lost control of the car and overcorrected a turn. The car went through a fence and overturned into the ditch. Her sister was ejected from the car and died as the result of her injuries.
Sanchez continued to live stream in the aftermath of the accident. She exited the vehicle, locating her sister’s body, screaming, “I f–king killed my sister, OK? I know I’m going to jail for life. I understand that. I don’t f–king care, though. I’m sorry, baby. I’m gonna hold it down.”
Sanchez was under the influence at the time of the crash. She is being held in county jail and has been charged with vehicular manslaughter while under the influence.
It’s Time To Stop Distracted Driving
Until drivers stop engaging in distracted driving, we will continue to hear about tragic accidents like this. There is no such thing as safe distracted driving.
Free consultation: Legal help is available to individuals injured in distracted driving accidents. Call 800-594-4884 to reach our Houston law office.