Even Hands-Free Cell Phones are Dangerous Distractions
Driver distraction is one of the leading causes of tragic accidents involving motor vehicles. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that as much as 20 percent of all car accidents in 2008 involved some type of distraction. Further, tragic accidents caused by distracted drivers have reportedly caused 6,000 deaths with more than half a million injured. Studies show that some of the most common driver distractions are the following:
- Talking to passengers
- Eating/drinking
- Switching radio stations, CDs, or songs on the Ipod
- Grooming
- Cell phone use
Of all of the above-mentioned, cell phone use is largely blamed for the increase of distracted driving accidents. Cell phones are often seen as an invaluable tool to keeping connected in today’s largely mobile world and it is rare for a person, especially a teenager to not own one.
Studies show that most drivers aged 16 to 24 years old were seen texting or talking while driving and the under-20 age group was also revealed to have the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Cell phone use, even if it’s hands-free is dangerous in many levels. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that the use of hand-held devices increases the risk of a crash by as much as four times.
The American Automotive Association (AAA) claims however, that even if the driver uses a hands-free device, it is just as distracting as texting or holding a phone while driving. Allegedly, it is not just the device that is the distraction – it is also the CONVERSATION that distracts the driver.
When a person drives, there are 3 skills that can be affected by driver distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. While texting and driving impairs all three as the driver often takes his eyes and mind off the road and his hands off the wheel while doing so, the use of hands-free devices is just as risky.
It is important to always keep your focus on driving and be aware of your surroundings on the road. Thus, even if you use a hands-free device, your concentration will be compromised as conversations require intellectual participation.
In response to the dangers of distracted driving particularly, cell phone use, several states have banned texting and talking while driving. States like California have further enacted laws that prohibited driving while talking on a hand-held cellphone. Some states have also made it an offense under careless driving.
Causes of tragic accidents, like cell phone use while driving can be easily prevented through driver education, discipline, and proper law enforcement. But in the event that you, a friend, or a loved one is hurt in a crash because of a distracted driver, do not hesitate to seek the services of an attorney who can represent your claim for damages.
Distracted drivers are usually deemed negligent and you are entitled to be compensated for any loss or injury you suffered because of their actions.
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