Distracted driving is dangerous no matter what form it takes. Sadly, distracted driving has the potential to cause a fatal crash. Texting and driving is especially dangerous and occurs more often than most assume. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports more than 3,000 people die each year as a result of distracted driving. Nearly 10% of all deadly crashes across the past six years have resulted from a distracted driver. Though many states have passed strict laws barring cell phone use while behind the wheel, surveys show drivers are still texting and calling while driving.
The NTSA survey referenced above states that during the day nearly 700,000 people in the United States alone use their cell phone or another electronic device. This figure equates to about 5 percent of all drivers in the country. The group’s research also shows most drivers approve of laws that bar texting when driving. However, about 15 percent of drivers admit they have sent a text message or email when driving. These statistics are quite disturbing as they reveal distracted driving is a very real problem. Texting when driving is clearly a society-wide issue that have the potential to become worse with younger generations of driver. If you or a loved one are harmed in an accident involving a distracted driver, our legal team is here to help you obtain a fair and just result.
Why Texting While Behind the Wheel is Incredibly Dangerous
Texting is inherently dangerous as it mandates that the driver lift his or her hand off the wheel to use the phone. This hand movement makes it difficult to control the vehicle. The use of a voice command feature is still problematic in that it creates a distraction. The bottom line is any use of the cell phone affects brain activity necessary to drive safely. In fact, a study conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute shows brain activity is reduced by upwards of nearly 40 percent when a cell phone is used while driving. The moral of this story is texting while driving is by far one of the most egregious forms of distracted driving as it distracts multiple driver senses in unison: physical control, attention, and visibility.
Phone use is a Major Problem for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers are especially likely to use their phone while driving simply because they grew up in the information age dominated by technology. Take a close look inside vehicles the next time you are at an intersection and you just might find one or several young drivers looking down, likely at their phone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers below the age of 20 have the highest number of deadly car accidents resulting from distracted driving. If you are involved in such an accident with a teen driver, it is worth looking into whether he or she was distracted by a phone or other electronic device before the crash.
The Legal Ramifications of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accidents can cause significant injury to fellow drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Furthermore, such an accident can change the life of the negligent driver in quite the negative manner. Such negligent driving can trigger a personal injury lawsuit as well as criminal charges. Additional penalties for distracted driving include costly fines, the suspension of the drivers’ license and even imprisonment.
If it can be proven the negligent driver was reading or responding to a text message just ahead of the crash, that driver can be sent to prison for upwards of a decade or more. This is just one example of how justice can be served after such an unfortunate incident. If you or a loved one were injured by a distracted motorist, you should explore all your legal options. Our personal injury and workers compensation attorneys led by Richard Schibell are here to ensure the careless driver is held legally liable for all related damages. We will do everything in our power to ensure you are provided with adequate compensation for all your losses stemming from the collision.
Contact Schibell Law Today
Our law firm is here for you and your loved ones after your auto accident or other personal injury. We at Schibell Law LLC will invest the time necessary to understand the nuances of your auto accident and pursue justice accordingly. Reach out to us at 732-774-1000 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
