The smartphone has become an essential tool for entertainment, navigation, and communication in our hyper-connected society. Nevertheless, using it while driving has become a serious risk. Not only is using a smartphone while driving dangerous, but it can also be fatal.
Drivers who can’t resist the urge to peek at their phones cause many accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. If you happen to be a victim of a distracted driver, it’s critical to reach out to a car accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Alarming Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,142 people died as a result of distracted driving in 2019 alone. Texting, browsing social media, and even using GPS on a smartphone lead to a large percentage of these distractions.
Suppose a driver’s attention is diverted from the road for approximately 5 seconds when sending or reading a text. That’s equivalent to driving the length of a football field while closing your eyes at 55 mph.
Why are Smartphones so Distracting?
Capturing and holding our attention is at the core of smartphones’ design. Even when it’s not safe to engage them, the nearly irresistible urge to do so is produced by their apps, alerts, and messages. This is because they generate a combination of distractions that are visual, manual, and cognitive:
- Visual Distraction: In the process of checking a message or looking at a notification, your eyes are taken off the road.
- Manual Distraction: Using your hands to scroll through social media or type a text instead of having them on the steering wheel.
- Cognitive Distraction: Instead of focusing your mind on driving, you focus on social media posts or conversations.
Ripple Effect of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has far-reaching effects that go well beyond the initial collision. Victims may sustain permanent injuries, and the loss of a loved one may leave families in pieces. There are significant financial ramifications as well, such as lost income, medical costs, and property damage.
Years may pass before the emotional and psychological costs subside, impairing the victims’ quality of life.
What are the Legal Implications and Responsibilities Associated with Distracted Driving?
Many states have enacted strong rules prohibiting the use of smartphones while driving. Breaking regulations usually carries severe fines and penalties. The widespread culture of smartphone dependence makes it impossible to fully abolish this practice, and enforcement of the law still poses a hurdle.
The legal system can be complicated if you are a victim of a distracted driver’s collision. For this reason, it is imperative that you contact a car accident lawyer. They can assist you in navigating the complexities of your case, obtain the evidence you need, and help you get fair compensation.
Conclusion
Using a smartphone while driving is a deadly habit that results in avoidable collisions and fatalities. We can lessen the threat by being aware of the dangers, abiding by the law, and acting proactively.
To learn more about your legal options, it’s crucial to get in touch with a car accident attorney.
