If you use social media, then you know what “selfies” are. In fact, when you check in on your social media accounts, you probably see plenty of selfies that have been posted by your friends and family. High quality cameras now come as standard equipment on most cell phones, and photo sharing applications enable cell phone and tablet users to edit pictures on the go. These technological advances have helped to make taking self-portraits, or “selfies” as they are commonly called, a popular pastime for many people.
Of course, there are many situations in which taking selfies can be dangerous, and even deadly. While you may feel as though that is common knowledge, more people than you might imagine are taking selfies in one of the most dangerous situations imaginable – behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. People are taking distracted driving to a dangerous new level, snapping selfies, and even posting them online while driving. If you are wondering how many people actually take selfies while driving, a recent study from AT&T and Braun Research suggests that approximately seventeen percent of drivers have taken a selfie while driving. In fact, driving selfies are all too easy to find on social media sites like Instagram, where users can help others find their pictures by labeling them with hashtags like #driving, #drivingselfie, and #hopeidontcrash.
This past March, Mississippi banned texting and driving. Many states impose similar penalties for using social media while driving as they do for texting while driving, and it is unclear as of yet whether Mississippi will do the same. Bans on texting and smartphone use have been shown to be effective in reducing the amount of accidents caused by distracted driving, but not all drivers are so easily deterred. Drivers of all ages are continuing to snap and post selfies while driving, and some driving selfies are even posted by truck drivers in their eighteen wheelers and people who are driving construction vehicles and other types of heavy machinery.
Whenever you get in your car and drive somewhere, you may unknowingly be sharing the road with someone who is willing to risk their lives and the lives of others by taking selfies while driving. You can do your part to reduce the number of distracted driving fatalities by refraining from texting, taking selfies, or using social media while driving, and teaching your children to do the same.
Barrett Law PLLC: Serving the Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you have suffered an injury or a loss because of a distracted driver, the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC may be able to help you. Automobile accident cases can be complicated, especially when there is an injury or a loss involved. Our experienced and dedicated team of attorneys is ready to assist you and your family during this difficult and challenging time in your lives. Please call our office today, at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule an initial consultation.