Auto Accidents and Cell Phones: A Deadly Combination
At The Tawwater Law Firm in Oklahoma City, we take all kinds of accidents very seriously, especially motor vehicle collisions. Car accidents can lead to serious injuries, long-term disability, and even death, which is why having trained lawyers on your side is so important.
One of the latest dangers while on the road has nothing to do with vehicle design or faulty parts. It has everything to do with people and their smart phones. Yes, when used behind the wheel, cell phones lead to distraction and potentially fatal accidents.
Is cell phone use really that serious when I'm driving?
Yes, it is. So many avoidable accidents occur as a result of motorists who are using their cell phones to make calls or text and are thus distracted from the road. They may only have a single hand on the wheel, which can lead to dangers while driving, particularly if they need to react to a road hazard very quickly.
Putting Cell Phone Driver Distraction Into Perspective
If you are texting while you drive, you'll likely have your eyes off the road for around five seconds. If you are in a vehicle traveling 55 miles per hour, five seconds is how long it takes to cover the length of a football field.
That's a lot of road to cover while you're basically driving blind.
That's also a lot of cars in front of you and beside you on busy highways.
Statistics Regarding Distracted Driving
Numbers do not lie about the dangers. In 2011, an estimated 3,360 people were killed as a result of cell phone use while driving, and another 387,000 were injured. In 2012, 3,328 people were killed as a result of this activity, and 421,000 were injured.
This could have all been avoided if people simply did not use their phones while behind the wheel.
Young People Are Especially Likely to Drive While Distracted
Youth are not just more likely to get into auto accidents because of inexperience. Bad decisions play a part in these accidents as well, such as cell phone use behind the wheel.
It's been estimated that 10% of all drivers younger than 20 will be involved in fatal auto accidents due to cell phone and texting distraction. On top of that, one-quarter of teens will respond to texts while they drive; 20% of teens will even engage in multi-text conversations while behind the wheel. This puts them and so many others on the road at risk.
Put the Phone Away and Keep Your Eyes on the Road
For your own safety and the safety of others, be urge everyone to keep their phones put away while driving. Never text while driving, and if you have to use the phone, please use a hands-free set. This will make the driving experience much safer for everyone.
We Will Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
Our law firm is here to help the victims of negligent drivers who were distracted behind the wheel. Given the potential severity of these accidents and the injuries that may be sustained, we will always fight diligently to ensure that justice is served and that you receive fair compensation following a collision
Speak with Our Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or someone that you love has been injured in a serious auto accident, be sure to contact our personal injury law firm today. We at The Tawwater Law Firm will help you negotiate the legal process and attempt to obtain just compensation for any injuries that you have suffered or hardships that have been endured.
