The Department of Transportation is hoping to curb the number of fatalities related to distracted driving with their new video series "Faces of Distracted Driving," which profiles people killed or seriously injured across the country due to the behavior.
The latest release in the series is the story of 5-year-old Xzavier Davis-Bilbo, who was paralyzed in an accident in October 2010. Davis-Bilbo was crossing the street in his neighborhood when he was struck by a young driver who was texting on her cell phone.
"The crash that paralyzed young Xzavier is a tragic reminder of the potential consequences of distracted driving," said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood in a press release. "I hope that everyone who hears his story will remember to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their focus on driving."
More than 5,500 people were killed in 2009 due to distracted driving, with a half million more injured, according to DOT statistics.
Driver behavior is only half the battle when it comes to vehicle safety. Ensuring that your car is completely safe through maintenance like vehicle inspections, brake service & repair and inflating tires are other ways you can avoid accidents.