Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer
by Slepkow Law

Accidents due to distracted drivers using smart phones are becoming increasingly problematic, throughout the United States.  There are a variety of things that can lead to driver distraction and that often has tragic results.

smart phone accident
Smart Phone distracted accident

Cell phone distraction

According to the Center For Disease Control or CDC, more than 8 people die and 1,161 are hurt due to distracted drivers. The following is an overview of distracted driving and cell phone use statistics and what you should know to stay safe.

Types Of Distraction

When we get in our cars, our primary concern should be operating our vehicles safely. Unfortunately, many people forget this and drive while doing other things. The most common types of driver distraction that lead to accidents involving vehicles, motorcycles, large trucks, bicycles and pedestrians are:

Driving And Cell Phone Use

Texting and driving is the most dangerous type of distracted driving. Because it requires manual, cognitive and visual ability and attention it poses the biggest threat. The CDC states that drivers going 55 MPH while they are texting, take their eyes off the road long enough to travel the entire distance of a football field. Some interesting cell phone use and driving statistics are:

Prevention

Many states in the U.S. have made it against the law to talk on a cell phone or text and drive. Those who hold a commercial drivers license or CDL, will face serious consequences if they are caught using a cell phone while operating a large commercial vehicle or carrying hazardous materials.

Distracted driving is reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S. If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of a distracted driver, it may benefit you to speak with a personal injury attorney for advice.

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that can lead to accidents and has been a significant concern for road safety.

  1. Increased Risk: Texting while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. It takes a driver’s attention away from the road, leading to delayed reaction times and impaired decision-making.
  2. Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, which includes activities like texting and talking on the phone, is a leading cause of accidents. In some places, it has surpassed drunk driving as a leading cause of accidents.
  3. Statistics: Specific statistics can vary by location and year, but a few common figures are often cited:
    • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States reported that in 2019, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives.
    • According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year in the United States.
    • The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has noted that states with texting bans have seen a 4% reduction in crash-related hospitalizations.
  4. Young Drivers: Young drivers, particularly teenagers, are more likely to be involved in accidents related to texting and driving. They often have the highest rates of texting while driving.
  5. Legal Penalties: Many places have implemented laws and penalties for using a cell phone while driving, especially for texting. These penalties can include fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment in cases of severe accidents.
  6. Public Awareness: There have been numerous public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of texting while driving. Organizations and government agencies often work to inform the public about these risks.

Road safety is a critical issue, and it’s essential for individuals to prioritize safe driving practices and avoid distractions like texting when behind the wheel.

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