Over the last few years, cellular phones and other hand held devices have become virtual mini-computers. They now do everything from sending text messages to providing GPS directions to allowing the user to watch a video. These “smart phones” as they are called are where the bulk of the research dollars are going as they are clearly the wave of the future. The day is coming when these hand held devices will replace traditional computers entirely. While all of this technology is amazing, and useful in many cases, it can also create hidden dangers that no one anticipated. Texting while driving is at the top of that list.
Text messaging was virtually unheard of until the last ten years. Since manufacturers starting making keypads on cell phones that made text messaging easier and providers started providing text messaging service for virtually nothing, text messaging has become the easiest way to communicate with a cell phone. A text message can be short and to the point. A text message can be sent or read in situations where quiet is called for such as class, a movie or even a board meeting. In many cases, text messaging services are unlimited on one’s plan making the use of text messaging economical as well. The text messaging explosion, therefore, makes sense. Unfortunately it is also extremely dangerous for all the people on the nation’s roadways.
Texting while driving is at epidemic proportions among the nation’s young. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in a crash due to their inexperience behind the wheel. Add the risks associated with texting and driving and the chances of being involved in a crash skyrocket. Surveys show that almost half of teenagers admit to being in a car when the driver was texting – and that statistic may be higher as the answers were voluntary. Even teenagers admit that texting while driving is the number one driver distraction. Teenagers are not the only ones texting while driving, however. Twenty percent of adult drivers also admit to texting while driving.
The average text message takes four seconds to send or read. Four seconds may not seem like a significant amount of time but consider that the average accident takes six seconds to recognize, react and respond in order to avoid. That means that two-thirds of the critical time available to avoid a collision is taken up by texting is one is sending or receiving a message. Thirty states have now banned texting while driving for all drivers. Despite the bans, many drivers continue to engage is this risky behavior and accidents continue to happen as a result.
If you have been involved in a collision and believe that the driver of the other vehicle may have been texting while driving, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you have suffered. Texting while driving is frequently considered negligent driving and therefore can be the basis for a negligence claim against the culpable driver. If you would like a free and detailed evaluation of your potential case, please contact the personal injury law firm of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com
