Not-So-Smartphone Use While Driving

It might be hard to grasp the dangers of using your mobile phone while driving, but once you know the facts, this hazardous habit starts to become a reality. According to the National Safety Council, in 2016 the total number of car accident deaths in the United States rose to 40,200. That number accounts for a six percent increase compared to the previous year, and the first time the annual fatality total has exceeded 40,000 since 2007.

Mobile phone use contributes to 1 out of every 4 of car accidents. The numbers illustrating the dangers of mobile phone use while driving are downright startling. In fact, at any given time throughout the day, approximately 660,000 drivers are putting other drivers, passengers, pedestrians and even cyclists in danger by attempting to use their phones while behind the wheel of a car.

Smartphones may have made it easy for us to stay connected, but that connection can pose a serious safety risk if someone decides to check his or her social media, text messages, emails, phone calls, or any other mobile applications while driving their car.

Here are just a few of the statistics involving distracted and/or texting while
driving.

  • Using your mobile phone while driving is 6x more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk.
  • Responding to a text takes away your attention from driving for about five seconds. Traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field.
  • Texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
  • Of all cell phone related tasks, texting is by far the most dangerous activity.
  • 94% of drivers support a ban on texting while driving.
  • 74% of drivers support a ban on hand-held cell phone use.

Texting while driving or distracted driving accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists tend to be the most catastrophic. Many injured pedestrians or cyclists suffer from injuries to their spinal cord, head trauma, crushed bones, organ damage. and severe lacerations. These kinds of severe injuries are not only painful but extremely expensive to treat. For this reason, it is especially critical for injured pedestrians to collect compensation from the at-fault party.

If you’ve been struck by a distracted driver while driving, walking, or riding your bike, call us and have your case reviewed as soon as you can. At Spada Law Group, we will review your case at no cost or obligation to you unless we recover compensation for you. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call our office today at 617-889- 5000.

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