In the last few years, the number of automobile accidents involving the use of cell phones has increased dramatically. Texting is the chief cause of automobile mishaps involving cell phone use, but even merely talking on a cell phone while driving can also be quite hazardous. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that 18% of America’s automobile drivers are texting regularly while they drive.
Teens are the most frequent offenders; 46% of drivers under age 18 are regularly texting while driving. AAA also found that automobile drivers swerve out of their own lane a full 10% of the time while they are texting, and they remove their eyes from the road an average of 4.6 seconds while texting and driving. At 30 miles per hour, that means drivers are traveling farther than the length of a football field whenever they text. It should be clear to everyone that cell phone use while driving is just a really bad idea.
And it’s easy to guess what these figures mean. Of the 1.6 million traffic mishaps in the United States each year, cell phones are involved in 28% of the crashes, according to figures provided by the National Safety Council. AAA’s investigations have determined that texting or talking on cell phones amplifies “cognitive” driver distraction, leading to tunnel vision and decreased attention to the road. AAA found that drivers who are texting are 23 times more apt to be in a crash than drivers who concentrate exclusively on their driving.
Should you be involved in an accident caused by cell phone use, do not sign any insurance forms or admit any responsibility before talking to a good personal injury attorney. Get photos of your injuries and the damages to your vehicle if at all possible. Make and retain copies of any insurance, medical, or police forms or reports. After obtaining any needed medical treatment, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
In any traffic mishap, your rights, safety, and well-being must be your ultimate concern. A good personal injury attorney may be able to obtain for you compensation for your injuries including medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes more. He or she will answer your questions and explain to you your legal options. This can all be wrapped up with two simple tips; don’t text while driving, and seek the counsel of a good personal injury lawyer if you are in a crash involving texting while driving.