Original publication date: 7/20/20
When cellphones first became popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, phones were capable of little more than making and receiving calls. Today’s smartphones allow us to do everything from banking to online shopping. Using a cell phone while driving is associated with a much higher risk of being in an accident. One study showed that drivers who were texting and driving are over 20 times more likely to be involved in a collision. It is estimated that almost one in five crashes in Texas are caused by a distracted driver.
Texas law prohibits texting and driving. However, cell phones are not the only form of distraction that can increase the chances of a collision. Talking to passengers, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, and reaching for something in the backseat are all examples of actions that can make a crash more likely. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, speak to a Houston personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Sources:
https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/texting-and-driving-statistics/
https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/psas/distracted-driving/distracted.html
We have known about the dangers of cellphones in the car for a long time. Reuters wrote an article about it back in 1997, saying it was more dangerous than drunk driving, and that was before most people even owned these types of portable phones. The popular show Mythbusters confirmed it in 2005. The University of Utah did so in 2006. Traffic Injury Prevention noted it in 2012. Touro University backed that up the same year.
Essentially, we have more than two decades of research showing that drivers who are on their phones are basically worse than drunk drivers. Plus, some of those early reports just related to talking on the phone. In the modern era, texting and driving are even more common. You can also argue that doing so is even more dangerous than just making a call, as drivers have to actively look away from the road to look at the phone when they text.
Unfortunately, your average driver does not necessarily understand these risks. You see people talking, texting, taking pictures and going on social media while they drive. If you get injured in an accident with one of these drivers, you need to know how you can seek financial compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced advocate can help you navigate the process.
To speak with an attorney about your situation, call a Houston personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec at 281-643-2000 for a free consultation, or contact us online.
Source:
https://bicycleuniverse.com/cell-phones-dangerous-driving-drunk/
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