We all deal with the temptation to check our phones while we are driving. Whether it is that text message you have been waiting on, an important email, or you are simply trying to kill time in traffic by scrolling through social media, it is easy to pick up the phone and get lost in distractions.
Smartphones have made it incredibly easy to stay connected in today’s society, at all times. This also makes it incredibly easy to get sidetracked by our texts, emails, and social platforms. Unfortunately, when attention is turned to our phones instead of the road, accidents happen.
Texting and Driving Facts
Texting (or otherwise using a handheld mobile device) and driving is far more common than most people realize. It is estimated that approximately 660,000 drivers are utilizing their phones while driving at any given moment. The National Safety Council reports that cell phones contribute to around 1.6 millions accidents per year. These accidents lead to a total of around 390,000 injuries. Injuries that could be prevented by simply waiting to send a text until finished driving.
It is estimated that a quarter (¼) of car accidents in the United States are due to texting and driving. Texting while driving can increase your chances of getting in an accident, as much as 6x greater than drunk driving. This is due to the amount of time replying to a text takes. Given that you are traveling at 55mph, if it takes you 5 seconds to answer a text, you have traveled the length of a football field. A lot of things can happen on the road in that distance.
Preventing Texting and Driving Accidents
Texting and driving is extremely dangerous and not only puts you at risk, but other drivers on the road as well. Texting-related accidents and injuries are completely preventable, if drivers would simply wait to answer those texts and emails, and stay off of social media while they are behind the wheel. Putting your phone on silent can help reduce the potential for distraction. There are also safe driving apps that encourage putting the phone down while driving.
If you have been involved in an accident where the other driver was using their mobile phone, you may have a case. Contact our team of expert accident attorneys today.