As automakers and technology developers work hard on developing solutions to the distracted driving issue, some high-profile members of local legislature get involved in accidents due to distractions.

Leading by example might not be the strong suit of some public servants, after all.

According to a series of news reports, a state senator from Ohio was rushed to the hospital after an auto accident. Local authorities claimed the accident happened on Interstate 71 Tuesday night. Troopers called to the accident scene have claimed the senator admitted to reaching for an item in the passenger seat while behind the wheel before the accident took place. This behavior is also known for boosting distraction and increasing the risk of auto accidents. A problem that may have prompted the accident involving the politician.

News sources covering the incident have indicated the senator was behind the wheel or a minivan when the vehicle suddenly rear-ended a semi. After the collision, he was flown to Wexner Medical Center. According to the reports, the distraction was directly linked to the crash. While the local legislator was rushed to the hospital, no serious injuries stemmed from the distracted driving crash.

After returning home from the hospital, the lawmaker should carry on with his schedule normally.

Distracted Driving Is A Serious Issue

According to official statistics provided by the federal government, 153.3 billion text messages are sent monthly across the United States. Many of these text messages are sent from moving vehicles. Since the number of smartphone users is growing, so is the number of distracted driving crashes. But drivers continue to ignore the potentially deadly consequences even when faced with real life tragedies.

Thinking that the risk exists but choosing to ignore it could lead to serious accidents. Once you take on the responsibility of driving a vehicle, you must also understand that the risks associated with distractions are real. If you’re not willing to fight distraction and avoid accidents, you’re not ready to drive.

Experts continue to push legislators to pass harsher distracted driving laws while urging educators to come up with educational events that target distracted driving so that younger and inexperienced drivers learn about the risks associated with the behavior. Since at least 10 percent of all motorists involved in fatal auto accidents who are 20 or younger were distracted at the time of the accident, parents of teens and young adults should make sure their children understand the risks of carrying on the behavior while behind the wheel.

For more on this story, make sure to follow this link for the full report on the accident.