Many argue that car accidents occur because people text-message while they drive. There are 13 different bills pending in the Florida House and Senate that would ban texting, cell phone conversations and/or cell phone use entirely while driving, in hopes of reducing automobile accidents caused by this distracted driving. Currently, no state bans all cell phone use while driving but six states require drivers to use a hands-free headset.
Millions of people text, talk or e-mail on their cell phones while driving. A recent survey found that 71% of people between the ages of 18 and 49 admit they text or talk on the phone while they drive. It may only take a few seconds, but studies show those who text behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to get into a car accident.
It is not known exactly how many texting related automobile accidents or fatalities have occurred in Florida because law enforcement does not collect this data during investigations unless the driver voluntarily admits to being distracted. According to a report released in January by The National Safety Council, 28% of all traffic accidents (approximately 1.6 million crashes a year) are caused by drivers using cell phones or texting. About 200,000 of those accidents are caused by texting while driving.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says drivers who text take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. This means that at 55 miles per hour, a driver is traveling the length of a football field looking at their cell phone rather watching the road. One could see how this distracted driving could result in a car accident.
Many people don’t realize how drastically things can spin out of control during a few seconds of distraction while driving. Texting while driving is never safe. No message or call is worth risking your life.
Drive safely and watch out for those who don’t. If you, a family member or a friend is injured in a car accident because of the negligence of another driver, speak with an attorney about your legal rights. The personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have been caring for clients in the Tampa Bay area for over 55 years. Click here for a free case consultation or contact us today!