Alarming Distracted Driving Trends Leading to Injuries on the Road

 Posted on May 19, 2023 in Car Accidents

New technology is causing drivers to become more distracted behind the wheel than ever before. The top distraction is a cell phone and regrettably because of this cell phone addiction highway fatalities are on the rise up 22 percent. Not all distracted driving accidents are fatal, however. Distracted driving injury accidents are actually greater in number. In 2020, nearly 325,000 people were injured in a distracted driving crash. If you are injured in a distracted driving accident you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries.

Multitasking Can Lead to Injury Accidents

An accident can have a devastating impact on the injured person and their family. Some injuries are more severe and require costly medical treatment and families run into financial difficulties if there is a loss of income while treatment and recovery are taking place. There are also other matters involving emotional trauma and enjoyment of life. Under most circumstances, however, collisions are preventable because they often occur when one or more drivers act negligently.

Many people believe they can multitask behind the wheel but that is plain irresponsible. Taking your eyes away from the road for even a second can result in collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. In California, it is against the law to use a cell phone while driving if you are holding the device. A driver under 18 years old is prohibited from using a cell phone at all times. Unfortunately, the latest report includes 2022 survey results that show the following alarming trends:

• 77 percent used their phone while driving
• 74 percent used cellphone maps
• 56 percent read a text or email
• 27 percent updated or checked social media
• 19 percent shopped online while driving

Exceptions to Cell Phone Use While Driving

The law does not apply to hands-free phone systems installed in the vehicle or if you are making an emergency call. Phones mounted in the vehicle in a place that does not require the driver to look away from the road are also allowed as long as they do not block a driver’s view of the road.

Distracted driving can cause serious accidents and injuries not only to the driver but also to other people on the road. It's important to remember that driving is a privilege and responsibility that requires a person’s full attention. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, it's important to seek medical attention right away, even if there are no immediate symptoms. This can help identify any injuries that may not be immediately apparent and ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment. If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident it is important to discuss your options with an experienced attorney so that you can receive the type of financial compensation that will fully address your damages and injuries.

Contact an LA County Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident due to someone’s distracted driving at Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. we can help you identify all parties who are liable. A skilled Glendale personal injury attorney will fight to make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Call 818-242-8201 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813309#

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-03-14/deaths-broken-limbs-distracted-driving

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=23123.5.&lawCode=VEH