Distracted driving resulted in approximately 431,000 injuries and 3,179 deaths in 2014. While driver error is the most common cause of traffic accidents, distracted driving is increasingly becoming the most common form of driver error that results in traffic accidents. By far, the most common form of distracted driving today is texting while driving. According to a poll by AT&T, texting and emailing were the top two smartphone activities drivers engaged in while driving.
Unfortunately, drivers are now using their smartphones to do much more than talk or text while driving. People are engaging in dangerous behaviors, including taking pictures and making videos while driving. It seems as if nothing is off limits when it comes to using a smartphone while driving.
Many people are driven by the desire to stay “connected” to their friends and family at all times. They feel a strong desire to capture every minute of their lives and share those moments on multiple media platforms. The fact that they are driving does not seem to deter their desire to post on social media. Sadly, this behavior can have tragic results that cannot be undone. The loss of life and the traumatic injuries caused by distracted driving accidents due to smartphone use can be eliminated if drivers would simply put down their phones while driving.
Startling Statistics Regarding Smartphone Use While Driving
Research conducted by AT&T revealed:
- 40 percent of drivers who use smartphones access social media while driving
- 30 percent of drivers surf the internet while driving
- 10 percent of drivers video chat while driving
- 70 percent of drivers engage in smartphone activities while driving
- About 1 driver out of 7 drivers uses Twitter while driving
The list of activities that drivers engage in while driving, according to AT&T, are:
- Texting
- Surf the internet
- Take a photo/selfie
- Make a video
- Snapchat
- Video chat
Engaging in any of the above activities while driving prevents the driver from focusing on the task of driving. This endangers the driver’s life and the lives of everyone else on the road.
Have You Been Injured In A Distracted Driving Accident?
During 2015, Louisiana lost 38 people in distracted driving accidents. Thousands of people across the state are injured each year in distracted driving accidents. The problem of distracted driving appears to grow worse each day, even though state, local, and corporate entities are working hard to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving.
If you or your family member has been injured in a distracted driving accident, you need a New Orleans car accident attorney who can help you build a strong case against the driver who caused your accident. By proving the driver was at fault for the collision, you can recover compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. Our NoLA car accident attorneys are ready to help you by providing support, guidance, and sound legal counsel.
Contact the New Orleans car accident attorneys of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation. Don’t wait to call a NoLA attorney! Your right to recover a fair settlement is at stake. Let our attorneys worry about the legal matters while you focus on your recovery.