Texting while driving doubles chances of car accident
There are many potential distractions that can keep drivers’ eyes off the road during their commute. One of the biggest culprits of distracted driving is something that you almost never leave home without: your cell phone.
Through numerous PSA campaigns, more drivers know how dangerous using a cell phone while driving is (although too many drivers are ignoring these messages). Questions remain, however, just how much of an effect cell phone use has on drivers’ performance.
Cell phone use significantly increases the risks of an accident
The AAA Foundation sought to quantify how distracting the use of a smartphone is when driving a motor vehicle.
Researchers evaluated crash data from more than 3,500 drivers across the country. In order to collect the data, researchers installed cameras and other tracking technology to evaluate driving conditions and provide information about any collisions.
- Cell phone use while driving has a significant increase in the risk of experiencing a car accident.
- Texting while driving, in particular, more than doubles the chances of being in a car accident.
- Even speaking on a phone using a hands-free device can increase the odds of being in a collision.
Distracted driving is negligent driving
There are three primary types of distracted driving in Florida:
- Manual – removing your hands from the steering wheel
- Visual – removing your eyes from the road
- Cognitive – removing your mind from the road
If you were involved in an accident due to the distracted behavior of another driver, the court will likely rule that the distracted driver was negligent.
However, Florida law uses a comparative negligence standard, which means any negligence on your part reduces the amount of compensation you would receive. Contacting an attorney who understands accident law can help increase the chances of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.
