The new generation of “smart phones” have made there way into everyday life over the past few years. Smart phones, as the name suggests, can do everything that a traditional personal computer can do – and in some cases even more. Smart phones are poised to replace the personal computer over the next decade according to most industry experts. All the major manufacturers and software developers are focusing their efforts on technology for phones instead of personal computers. Not surprisingly, everyone wants the latest version of these incredible devices. Your cell phone is longer just for talking. Today’s smart phone can do everything from identify your location and give you step by step directions to where you are going to translate languages to identify what song is playing on the radio. While these advances in technology can certainly make our lives easier, they also create a huge hazard for everyone on the road.
The country is just now catching up to the obvious danger of talking on your cell phone while driving or texting while driving. Many states, including California, have passed legislation banning the use of cell phones while driving. While the laws are helpful, the vast majority of the drivers on the road appear to ignore the bans. Now, with the advent of smart phones, drivers are even more tempted to use their cell phones while driving. People no longer stop at the nearest gas station to ask directions, or pull over at a rest stop to look at a map. Instead, they depend on their telephone to provide them with directions. While it’s true that many of the new smart phones are capable of speaking the directions, the driver must still locate the app and tell the phone where they want to go. Then they must listen to the directions. To think this is not distracting would be foolish. Additionally, the temptation is there to use a smart phone for so much more while driving. When a song comes on the radio and you are just can’t remember who sings it – grab your smart phone and hold it up to the speaker. In seconds it can tell you who sings the song. The problem is that in those few seconds you have taken your eyes off the road.
An accident happens in seconds. Studies show that the average person needs about four to six seconds of reaction time to realize that there is an obstacle ahead or that the car ahead is stopping and then react to that information. Those few seconds spent locating an app on your phone or holding your phone up to a speaker could take up valuable seconds needed to react to a potential collision. Smart phones are here to stay. They are the wave of the future for better or worse. If you have been involved in a collision and you believe that use of a cell phone played a part in the collision, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you suffered.
Contact the California personal injury accident firm of Ledger & Associates for a free and detailed evaluation of your potential personal injury accident case at 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com
