Dangers of Texting While Driving
In spite of being well versed with the diverse dangers of texting while driving a striking 81 percent of the population in United States admits to texting while driving. The driving statistics show the problem has reached pandemic proportions – thousands are losing their lives and are being severely injured in texting while driving accidents. Administrative authorities continue to do their best to curb the practice, nevertheless drivers seem less interested in road safety etiquettes even though it is well documented that texting while driving behind the wheel is the primary cause of motor vehicle accidents.
In spite of being well versed with the diverse dangers of texting while driving a striking 81 percent of the population in United States admits to texting while driving. The driving statistics show the problem has reached pandemic proportions – thousands are losing their lives and are being severely injured in texting while driving accidents. Administrative authorities continue to do their best to curb the practice, nevertheless drivers seem less interested in road safety etiquettes even though it is well documented that texting while driving behind the wheel is the primary cause of motor vehicle accidents.
Whenever one tries to do two things at the same time it makes it more difficult to accomplish both. The use of cell phones while driving is such an example. When cell phones became more affordable and popular, the craving to text and talk on cell phones while driving also increased. Not even while driving can people seem to resist attending to calls and replying to messages. Road signs are ignored and attention on the road diminishes.
In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in the U.S. and 448,000 were injured due to accidents that involved distracted driving. Out of the 5,474 killed, 995 reported a cell phone factor. Of the 24,000 injured, cell phone use was reported as a distraction. The highest percentages of distracted drivers came from the under -20 age group. Sixteen (16) percent of the under 20 year old drivers involved in car accidents were distracted. The highest percentage of cell phone use in crashes that were fatal came from the 30 to 39 age group. There was a 6% increase in fatalities associated with distracted drivers between 2005 and 2009.
Irrespective of the risk, most drivers in their teenage years fail to properly observe cell phone driving restrictions though talking on the cell phone while driving slows a young driver’s ability to react. Thirteen (13%) percent of teenagers admit to texting while driving. 48% of youngsters in America between the ages of 12 and 17 state they have been inside a car while the driver was sending texts. Nearly half of the 60% of American teens who admitted to risky driving also admitted to text messaging behind the wheel. More than one-third of all young drivers 24 years and under send texts on the road.
Texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated. One-fifth of adult experienced drivers in the United States send texts while driving. A study which was conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) showed that texting while driving is the most dangerous of all cell phone related tasks such as dialing, talking, or reaching for the phone. A teen driver is four times more likely than adult drivers to get into car crashes caused by texting. Statistics show that a trucker that texts while driving is 23.2 times more likely to get into a car accident than one who pays full attention to the street.
The driving statistics above gives an idea why texting is considered the most serious among the various distractions while driving. You need an experienced car accident lawyer who you will give you his full and caring attention, who can maximize your compensation, and who has dealt with accidents caused by cell phone use while driving. Call a firm that will give you the service that you deserve….call Marchese Injury Law, P.A., statewide toll-free at 1-888-775-6042, or locally at 775-6042 for an appointment. Our accident attorneys will guide you through the challenges faced by auto accident and motorcycle accident victims, and we will take the worries away from you. When you need an experienced injury attorney, make Marchese Injury Law, P.A. your choice for personal injury lawyer representation in Maine. We can help you get your medical bills paid, and to fight the insurance companies for all the money you deserve. Our offices are located at 477 Congress Street, Suite 1104, Portland, Maine, in the historic Time & Temp Building, although we can meet you at other locations if more convenient for you.
