While distracted driving has always been a significant cause of car accidents that result in serious injury, cell phones have magnified the danger because of the number of drivers that own these portable communication devices.  Although the majority of drivers are aware that texting on a cell phone is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, people continue to discover new risky practices that endanger those with whom they share the roadways.  A study conducted by AT&T reveals that cell phone distractions go far beyond texting and driving.

While no text message or telephone call is worth causing an auto accident, drivers are finding even less important reasons to endanger the safety of vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  The ATT&T study found the following disturbing results regarding the prevalence of frivolous uses of cell phones while driving:

• 27 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 65 use cell phones for Facebook.
• 14 percent of drivers use cell phones for Twitter.
• 30 percent of motorists admitted using their cell phone to tweet “all the ”
• 28 percent surf the web.
• Over 10 percent use Snapchat and Instagram.
• 17 percent use their cell phone to take selfies.
• More than 10 percent video chat with Skype or other apps.

AT&T conducted the study to promote awareness regarding the risk of using portable electronic devices while driving.  Despite past public awareness campaigns, more than 62 percent of drivers continue to report that they keep their cell phone within reach when driving.  Further, 22 percent of drivers admit using their cell phone for social networking while operating a motor vehicle.

The vast majority of the public condemns drinking and driving as unacceptable because of the toll drunk drivers exact in accident-related injuries and fatalities.  However, an increase in new types of mobile phone uses while driving suggests that people might still have a more tolerant view of distracted driving.

This more accepting attitude is alarming given that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that texting while driving is six times more dangerous than alcohol-impaired driving.  Motorists engage in multi-tasking behavior while driving approximately half the time they spend behind the wheel according to the NHTSA.  This failure of motorists to focus all of their attention on their driving leads to a million accidents, including 16 percent of fatal accidents annually based on data from the agency.

When a distracted driver who is using a cell phone rear-ends a vehicle stopped for traffic, drifts into an adjacent lane, or otherwise causes a collision, the distracted driver can be liable for causing injury to others.  Victims of distracted drivers should seek legal advice promptly following a collision because distracted driving can be difficult to prove.  Texting on a cell phone might be proven by obtaining cell phone records from a phone carrier.  Other types of use of a cell phone such as selfies, social media posts, and similar activities might be established through the effective use of discovery tools and an investigation.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Jacksonville or the surrounding areas, our Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers have successfully represented many victims of negligent drivers.  At Barrett Law, we are here to help.  Contact our law firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding filing your claim.