660,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving at any given moment in the United States, according to Driver’s Alert. We all acknowledge to some degree that “distracted driving” is bad, but people still continue to frequently use their cell phones while driving. As a firm focused on personal injury, Downs Law Firm sees a tragically high number of fatal or seriously harmful accidents that are caused by negligence and unsafe driving behavior – accidents that could have been prevented. So what is the truth about using your cell phone while driving? Is it really unsafe? Let’s look at the facts reported by CODOT, Driver’s Alert, and NHTSA.
- Texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. People who text while driving are 6 times more likely to get into an accident than those who drive while intoxicated. In short, you’re 6 times less likely to get into an accident while driving drunk than you are while texting behind the wheel.
- Hands-free isn’t necessarily distraction-free. Many people believe that using a hands-free phone mode while driving is better, but studies show that distraction from cell phone use while driving (handheld or hands-free) delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.
- Cell phone use takes up critical brain focus. Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%.
- The majority of car crashes happen because drivers aren’t paying attention. 80% of crashes in the US are related to driver inattention, and cell phone use is the #1 source of driver inattention.
- Teens are the most at risk. 11 teenagers die every day due to texting and driving. Teenagers are 400% more likely to get into an accident from texting and driving.
- According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving leads to 6 million accidents per year.
- 520 pedestrians were killed by distracted drivers in the United States in 2014.
- 421,000 people in the United States are injured each year by a distracted driver.
How Can You Make the Roads Safer?
These facts and statistics should be staggering. Something needs to change. The only way to really make the roads safer is for drivers to take the responsibility of adopting safer driving habits. Share the information about the negative impacts of cell phone use while driving, and commit to being a safe and alert driver yourself! Don’t believe the lie that you are “better” at texting and driving than someone else! Everyone is susceptible to the deadly distractions of cell phone use while driving.
If you or a loved one is injured because of another driver’s negligence – including the other driver’s unsafe use of a cell phone while driving, you’re likely entitled to significant compensation under law. Downs Law Firm serves all of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi and we’re here to guide you through your legal rights and help you get the results you deserve! Call us at 318-284-8551 or contact us online to get started.
