Speeding and distracted driving are being blamed for a crash that killed an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and injured another.
The 29-year-old driver has been charged in Seminole County for first-degree manslaughter.
According to authorities, There was an investigation on an overturned semi along I-40, east of Shawnee, when the driver struck them.
One of the Troopers was killed in the crash, and the other is still recovering from serious injuries.
The driver was reportedly speeding and updating his social media pages, moments before the fatal crash. According to court documents, the driver admitted to OHOP investigators that he saw the troopers flashing emergency lights, but didnt slow down.
A Rep. posted an amendment to a proposed texting and driving ban naming it in honor of the Troopers.
Meanwhile, the incident is serving as a vivid reminder of the dangers distractions pose behind the wheel. If you have been injured or lost someone you love because of a distracted driver, do not hesitate to contact the Edwards Law Group’s experienced Tulsa car accident attorneys for dedicated legal help.
Young, Restless and Distracted
A State Farm survey looked at the threat of surfing the Internet while driving, and the results are disturbing. The study found that while drivers of all ages have been increasingly taking advantage of their smartphones’ features behind the wheel, the most dramatic increase occurred for younger drivers.
- Using a phone to access the internet while driving increased from 29 percent to 43 percent.
- Checking social media networks went up from 21 percent to 37 percent.
- Updating social networks (updating a Facebook status, for example, or sending a tweet) increased from 20 percent to 33 percent.
Contact an Oklahoma Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that you believe was caused by a distracted driver(http://www.edwardslawok.com/distracted-driver-lawyers.html), contact our car accident attorneys as soon as possible to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.
You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, physical injury and emotional trauma. A member of our team can review your distracted driving accident claim and guide you on your next course of action.