Driving deaths overall are down in America, but could be much lower without one thing: distracted drivers who call or text at the wheel. A new report by the U.S. Department of Transportation reveals the United States had 33,963 traffic fatalities in 2009, a drop of 8.9 per cent from 2008. With driving deaths declining for 15 consecutive quarters, this also was the lowest level since 1954.

But imagine how much better it could be without the onslaught of cell phone addiction. Millions of Americans drive with one hand on the wheel — at best — while calling and texting with the other. And when only a moment’s inattention can cause a lifetime of misery, these driving distractions are among the biggest threats on our roads today.

Indeed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers are killing 6,000 Americans and injuring another half a million each year. Subtract that 6,000 from the yearly death total and Americans would be making enormous progress in fighting the No. 1 cause of deaths among those 3 to 35 years old: traffic collisions.

Clearly, the job is far from won, which is why Jim S. Adler & Associates urges all drivers at all times to “hang up and drive.” As a public service ads says, no text message is worth losing or taking a life. And how many calls and texts from the road are vital, anyway?

“Our work is far from over,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland says. “We must continue our efforts to ensure seat belts are always used and stay focused on reducing distracted and impaired driving.”

He attributes the overall decline in driving deaths to public service campaigns such as “Click it or ticket” that increase seat belt use, and new state laws to combat drunk and distracted driving (which are almost the same, with studies showing distracted drivers are as bad as drunk drivers). Also helping are safer roads and safer cars (non-Toyota models, anyway) and the fact that, in a down economy, people are driving less.

But when nearly 34,000 persons die on our roads in one year, no progress can be deemed sufficient.

“Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening practice,” says DOT Secretary Ray LaHood. That’s why the NHTSA has helped produce sample legislation to guide states in writing new laws that ban texting at the wheel.

“Our top priority is safety,” Strickland says. “We are determined to help the states eradicate the dangerous practice of texting while driving.”

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, alert a car accident lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates. Holding negligent drivers financially accountable is another means of turning the tide toward a safer America.

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