According to a recently released survey of 2,500 high school children across the country, nearly 70% admit to using apps while driving. Even though states across the country now regularly warn drivers not to “text and drive” most drivers are on popular social networking applications such as, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube and now “Pokemon Go”.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), looking at your phone to read one text is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes off the road. Meaning, a single text can increase your chances of crashing by at least 6 times.
When the teens were asked to rank the behaviors they consider the most distracting or dangerous for a driver, 29% said driving under the influence of alcohol and 25% said writing or sending a text message. Only 6% said looking at or posting to social media is the most distracting or dangerous behavior behind the wheel for a driver.
Teens are not the only offenders of distracted driving, it is adults too. The CDC reports that everyday more than 8 people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes involving distracted driving. This includes talking on a cell phone, texting and eating.
Deborah Hersman, president and chief executive officer for the National Safety Council said in an interview with CNN, “What we are seeing in the observational data is that even though people are not being observed talking as much as they were in the past on handheld phones, they are seeing an increase in texting.” Based on observations and crash data, the National Safety Council estimates that about ¼ of all crashes can be attributed to distracted driving that is connected to the use of a cell phone.
Whether you are texting, talking, eating or on a social network app, The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker always recommends putting your safety and the safety of others first while behind the wheel. It can wait. An accident can happen at any time, whether you are distracted behind the wheel or not. When a car accident occurs, knowing where to go for help is a tremendous relief. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has been assisting clients who have been in an accident or have been injured for over 39 years, and can help you too.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident because of a distracted driver, contact our law offices today. You can schedule a free, confidential consultation with no obligation, by calling us at (800) 333-0000 or by email using our case submission form. Use the case submission form online and receive a 10% off attorney fees discount. Tough times call for tough lawyers. We’ll fight for you!®
