The Link Between Cell Phone Use and Auto Accidents
Cellphone use behind the wheel causes thousands of vehicle accidents each year, and the figures continue to rise. It is common knowledge that driving while using a mobile phone is against the law, and it is not difficult to see why. The fact is, it is impossible to control a vehicle safely if you are distracted by your phone. What are the links between this and auto accidents? Pardy & Rodriguez have the answers below.
Cell Phone Use is Distracting
Distracted driving is the quickest way to cause an accident. If you are looking at your phone instead of the road, the risk of hitting someone, or something, or losing control is noticeably increased. Safe driving requires absolute levels of concentration so that you can spot hazards and maneuver responsively. The road conditions can change at any second, and it is your duty of care to be present behind the wheel so that these shifts don’t lead to trouble.
Reading One Text is All It Takes
Almost 390,000 road collisions are caused by people reading and sending text messages. When you glance down at your cellphone to read a single text, that is around five whole seconds where you are looking in the wrong place. These five seconds, especially while traveling at any speed over 30mph, is all it takes to cause a crash. It is always better to wait until you are completely stopped, and the engine is switched off so you do not pose a risk to anyone around you or yourself.
Pedestrians Are Liable Too
It’s not just drivers that threaten the safety of road users, it is pedestrians too. When someone crosses the road or steps out into busy traffic while looking at their phone, they are not giving this task the attention it deserves either. This is a leading cause of both hit-and-run style collisions and pedestrian fatalities.
What to Do If You Are a Victim
If you are a victim of a road collision, either as a pedestrian or driver and the cause was someone using their phone, you can take action. Visit our offices or call us and our team will take down all the details. Collect evidence and keep a detailed record of life post-incident so that all the facts are there to observe. A personal injury case in this context is quite often clear-cut, and we can help.
Texting, calling, taking a selfie, making a reel, changing music, and checking social media notifications are some of the common things that cause vehicle accidents. It is illegal, and you could be owed compensation for your injuries.
Pardy & Rodriguez Law Firm has the following offices in Florida, so visit us today at your nearest branch.
- Orlando – 315 Park Lake Cir., Orlando, FL 32803
- Tampa – 11700 N. 58th St., Ste. A, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
- Kissimmee – 1052 E. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34744
- Poinciana – 4663 Old Pleasant Hill Road, Poinciana, FL 34759
- Davenport – 40230 US Highway 27, Suite 140, Davenport, FL 33837
- Bradenton – 409 6th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 522-0222.
