Today’s smart phones allow users to text, Twitter, Facebook, and chat simultaneously, while also introducing new features such as FaceTalk available. The possibilities seem endless – and so does the constant usage of the cell phone. It seems that with one hand-held device, you can conduct business and keep up with social networking all at the same time. Unfortunately, cell phones have becoming increasingly harmful as more and more drivers make that their priority instead of concentrating and keeping their eyes on the road in front of them.
In fact, the Human Factors quarterly journal released a recent statistic that recorded over 2,700 deaths and 330,000 injuries (from vehicle accidents) in the United States this past year as a result of cell phone usage and distraction. Perhaps what is more shocking is that the same study reveals that cell phone usage, whether it be texting or talking on the phone, is actually more dangerous to a driver than driving with a blood alcohol content above 0.08%. This frightening statistic truly highlights the dangers of distracted driving, and furthermore, the dangers of cell phone usage in the car. Not only does the driver put himself or herself at risk, but also the drivers around them. Distracted drivers can cause serious car accidents that could lead to severe injuries and death. The use of a cell phone in fact impairs a driver’s ability to drive and react to the situations around him. With cars constantly changing lanes and abrupt stops in the middle of freeways, it is imperative that drivers are always alert and cautious. The increasing usage of cell phones has been proven to correlate with the growing rate of car accidents across the nation. Distract driving, in fact, accounts for 80% of all car accidents. By taking your eyes off of the road, you are unable to properly react to a constantly changing situation around you.
In response, the State of California banned all texting while driving, effective January 1, 2009 (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123.5), which can be compounded with previous legislature that banned talking without a hands-free device while driving (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). In today’s society, limiting phone usage to individuals can be extremely ineffective seeing how dependent we may be to our hand-held devices. However, California car accident attorney Emery Ledger has seen the grossly negative effects of distracted driving. His office is handling one of the California Metro-link cases, which was caused by a distracted conductor texting on his cell phone, and led to hundreds of deaths and injuries.
Car accidents caused by distracted driving have lead to numerous deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Victims of accidents are forced to deal with medical bills, wage loss, possible bodily injuries and/or permanent disfiguration. Next time you get on the road, remember to keep your phone away and your eyes on the road. This is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you should not be forced to pay for these expenses out of pocket while dealing with the emotional and physical pain and suffering. For a free consultation and any additional questions, please contact California car accident lawyer Emery Ledger of Law Offices of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit his website www.LedgerLaw.com.
