Rate of Distracted Driving Continues to Increase

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Distracted Driving Accidents

It is no secret that the increasing necessity and commonality of cell phones have affected driving and driving safety. As cell phones became more and more common, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and other governmental statistical agencies began including car accidents caused or influenced by the use of a cell phone or cellular device in distracted driving incidents.

While distracted driving was formerly only considered as such when the driver was eating or drinking, grooming, or talking to other passengers, cell phone use or texting has become one of the most common forms of distracted driving, and arguably one of the most dangerous. Engaging in tasks associated with the use of hand-held phones increased the risk of a motor vehicle accident by three times, and at any given moment during the day across the nation it is estimated that 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or electronic devices while behind the wheel. It may be no wonder that in 2013, 424,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents that involved a distracted driver, a marked increase from 421,000 victims the previous year.

These statistics and the obvious dangers posed by using cellular technology while driving do not seem to be a deterrence, however. In fact, the ubiquity of social media and communication via technology could be making it seem less dangerous to utilize behind the wheel than it is. Take the recent incidents of drivers who did not consider their use of social media — live streaming to the world that they were, at that moment, behind the wheel driving drunk — who apparently did not consider their actions to be as serious as they were.

Cell phone use behind the wheel varies state to state. Any use of a handheld device while driving has been illegal in Illinois since January 1, 2014. The first offense carries a fine of $75. Subsequent fines are $100, $125, and $150.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a distracted driving accident, the most important step is to seek legal counsel. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced Lake County car accident attorney today.

Sources:

http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html

http://wivb.com/2015/12/29/man-arrested-for-drunk-driving-after-posting-video-on-facebook/

http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/32422708-story

http://handsfreeinfo.com/illinois-cell-phone-laws-legislation/