Cell phones have truly become an integral part of the average American's lifestyle. This is especially true for teenagers. Because this is the main form of communication for many people, drivers may choose to use their cell phones while they are driving to keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues. However, this growing trend is extremely dangerous. In fact, researchers say that talking on the phone is equivalent to drunk driving in terms of impaired functionality, alertness and reaction time.
Distracted driving is alarmingly common. A recent study found 71 percent of people between 18 and 49 admit to texting or talking on the phone while driving. As a result of this extremely high-risk driving behavior, there are 500,000 people are injured in accidents involving distracted driving every year.
By using a cell phone when driving, you are putting yourself at risk for three main forms of distraction:
Visual - taking your eyes off of the road. This is especially true when texting. For example, if it takes you 30 seconds to send a text message while you are driving at 60 miles per hour, you would be taking your eyes off of the road for half of a mile, easily enough time to get into a collision.
Manual - taking your hands off of the wheel. Without both hands on your steering wheel, you greatly increase your chances of losing control of your vehicle and getting into an accident.
Cognitive - taking your mind off of what you are doing. This is the main problem with distracted driving. Even with the use of a hands-free Bluetooth device or speakerphone, you are not paying full attention to driving, but rather an external source of stimuli. Taking your mind off of the road can have dangerous repercussions.
Even if you are an extremely safe driver, you may still be at risk for the consequences of distracted driving if others on the road are engaging in it. If you were hurt in a car accident that was the result of distracted driving, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Every state has different laws regarding this matter, so it would be beneficial to speak with an attorney to discuss your individual case and the laws that may apply to you.
If you would like more information about automobile accidents or have been injured in a car accident at the hand of a distracted driver, visit the web site of Philadelphia personal injury lawyers Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
Michael Enfield
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