Despite a significant public outcry, warnings by transportations safety experts, and the efforts of law enforcement authorities, distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions.  The tragic stories of drivers perishing in fatal collisions while sending a text message are becoming all too common.  In a further effort to discourage motorists from the deadly practice of multi-tasking behind the wheel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council have designated April as “National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.”

The impact of distracted driving is reflected by data published on the federal government’s official distracted driving website – distraction.gov.  Approximately 660,000 motorists are using their mobile phone or otherwise manipulating a portable electronic device while driving at any time during daylight hours.  With this many people multi-tasking with portable electronics devices, it is hardly surprising that inattentive drivers claimed the lives of 3,179 people and injured 431,000 more during the most recent year for which data is available.  While the problem is not isolated to novice teen drivers, 71 percent of teen drivers admit that they have sent a text while driving.

Distracted drivers have been around as long as motor vehicles, but the prevalence of electronic communication devices like smart phones and tablets has significantly increased the threat of serious crashes caused by inattention.  These gadgets permit drivers to keep almost the entire spectrum of human knowledge at their disposal.  Motorists have the ability to text, talk, and video chat with virtually anyone with the simple push of a button.  This convenience has proved to be a dangerous temptation.  The scope of the threat posed to public safety from use of electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle is evidenced by data from the federal government:

• Ten percent of 15 to 19-year-old drivers involved in fatal collisions when using a cell phone.
• Although teens often are most closely associated with the practice of using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, many adults also engage in this extremely unsafe practice.
• Approximately 53 percent of adult motorists conceded that they have engaged in multi-tasking behind the wheel.
• Although texting and driving is widely considered a dangerous practice, one in three drivers in a 2015 Erie Insurance study admitted to texting behind the wheel.

The number of lost lives and catastrophic injuries caused by drivers using mobile phones is likely to continue to increase.  The constant technological progress in creating new uses for portable electronic devices now provide a whole new slew of distractions.  There have been a number of accidents in recent times that involve social media activity on websites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and similar sites.  Whether a driver is reading a new post, uploading a picture or video, messaging other users, or placing a status update on his or her page, these new types of distractions threaten to increase the number of distracted drivers.

A recent lawsuit filed against the company that produced the messaging application Snapchat provides a recent example.  A personal injury lawsuit reportedly has been filed against the company by an individual who incurred a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that allegedly was partially caused by a Snapchat feature.  The seriously injured driver was allegedly using Snapchat’s “speed filter” to post a photo of herself while driving fast.  This feature of the social media application overlays a driver’s speed on an image when a driver takes a picture while operating the vehicle.  This tragedy demonstrates the diverse new ways that portable communication devices, such as cell phones are tempting drivers to take dangerous risks.

If you or your loved one is injured in a car accident in Mississippi, you are invited to contact the experienced Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers at Barrett Law to learn how we can help.  Our motor vehicle crash injury lawyers have been representing accident victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years.  We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy.  We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at (601)790-1505.  No Recovery No Fee!