Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News
Texting while driving has been outlawed by many states across the United States. This is with good reason. While such laws may seem trivial at face value, they are very important laws to follow. Car accident lawyer Aaron Crane states “This is because texting while driving often causes catastrophic accidents leading to serious injuries or fatalities.”
Cell Phones and Smartphones Are Convenient but Deadly
Cellular phones and smartphones, as well as other handheld devices, play a huge role in our everyday lives. For most people smartphones are not just their primary means of telecommunication. These cell phones are used for everyday voice and text conversations with friends, colleagues, clients, family members and others. They are also used to map driving routes, surf the web, work, shop and send emails. Most people with a smartphone also play games and perform other activities on their phones using applications, called “apps.” No longer are phones just for talking.
While texting using cell phones is now the most popular use for these devices, doing so is extremely dangerous and could even end your life if you are texting while driving. There is never an excuse for texting while behind the wheel. Still, many drivers attempt to use their handheld device for texting and other activities when they should only be focused on driving.
Statistics of Texting While Driving
It is difficult for statisticians and others to keep track of how many car collisions and other wrecks occur as a result of texting on the roadways of America each year. But texting while driving has increased the number of accidents by far, with more tragic results caused by driver mistakes.
Although cell phones do provide easy and convenient communication with anyone at any time, these devices are not intended for use while either party on the call or engaging in texting is driving. Many reports from leading sources of statistical information have proven that texting while driving has a significant effect on a driver’s ability to effectively manage their vehicle.
Texting causes drivers to become distracted, reckless and careless. Many accidents resulting from texting and driving could have been avoided, had the driver been paying attention. In 2010 alone, 3,000 deaths resulted from collisions caused by distracted driving. It is not unreasonable to assume that a large number of these were caused by texting drivers.
Other statistics indicating the danger of texting while driving include:
- 23 percent of drivers in all fatal crashes are aged 20 to 29. But 20 to 29 year olds are 27 percent of the distracted drivers, as well as 38 percent of the distracted drivers who were using their cellular devices when the accident occurred. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 7 percent of American drivers were visibly using their cellphones or other handhelds while behind the wheel in 2013. 2.2 percent of drivers were obviously texting or using their cell phones in 2014. Since 2007, drivers aged 16 to 24 have more frequently been observed using electronic devices behind the wheel at higher rates than older drivers. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Your eyes are off the road for an average of five seconds while texting. When traveling at 55mph, the length of a football field can be covered in that amount of time while blindfolded. – U.S. Department of Transportation
Laws Passed to Prevent Texting While Driving Accidents
Two major summits have been held by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) since 2009, for participants to discuss the issues of texting drivers. The DOT has also taken other great measures to have laws passed prohibiting commercial drivers, such as those of tractor trailers, from using their cellular devices for any purpose while driving.
The DOT actively works to encourage states throughout the U.S. to pass these laws for personal vehicle, non-commercial drivers, too.
After a Texting While Driving Accident
Accidents that distracted drivers cause, like those resulting from texting and driving, often have catastrophic results. Most tragic is the fact that such accidents are 100 percent preventable.
So when someone is injured in such an accident, it is completely justifiable for them to obtain the support and advice of a car accident attorney familiar with texting while driving accident cases. Being familiar with these types of car accidents can help the victim use the court system to gain help, such as compensation for damages. When someone causes a texting while driving accident where people are injured, it is a personal injury offense.
An attorney experienced in personal injury cases, specifically those dealing with texting while driving, can help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
