We all do it. Washingtonians use our phones everywhere we go. This is a piece of technology that keeps us connected to others, allowing us to take pictures, text, research and even complete work on the go. However, there is one place a phone is not suitable, and this is behind the wheel of a vehicle. The dangers of distracted driving are apparent due to the increasing rate of fatal car accidents. However, some motorists think they can get away with using their phone quickly.
The rate of cellphone use while driving is astounding. According to a current study, it was found that roughly 9 in 10 drivers use their phones while driving. And, since nearly every driver in the U.S. owns a smartphone, the temptation to check an email, send a text or make a phone call is always there.
This study looked at a massive collection of driving data. A three-month sample found that drivers used their phone during 88 out of the 100 trips they took. It was also discovered that drivers spend roughly 3.5 minutes on their phone every hour. While that is a small fraction of an hour, it is still a shocking find because it only takes a few seconds to cause a crash.
The dangers of texting and driving are clear though, this dangerous activity still occurs on a daily basis. Thus, those who have lost a loved one because of a distracted driver should understand their rights and legal recourses. A wrongful death action could help with applying liability on a negligent driver, while also helping family members collect compensation for their losses.
Source: Ibtimes.com, “Distracted Driving: Study Finds Nearly 90 Percent Of People Use Phone While Driving,” AJ Dellinger, April 17, 2017