In Sacramento and California today, our desire to maximize our time is more prevalent than ever. One of the most common ways we have found to achieve this goal is through the ever-growing popularity of cell phone use and driving. It allows us to be at two places at one time, creating a type of mobile office, and so much more. This “ideal”, however, has not come without its own problems. Sometimes, very serious problems.
Over the past several years, we have seen more and more links to cell phone use while driving and car crashes. Studies show that almost 80% of crashes and 64% of near-crashes involve some sort of driver distraction within the 3 seconds prior. Out of all the causes, cell phone use is the most common distraction. Many of these incidents could have been easily avoided if the use of cell phones was done more responsibly.
Another study, conducted by the University of Utah in the summer of 2006, concludes that talking on a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk. I know this may seem shocking at first, but if you think about the state of mind many people get into while talking on the phone, it makes more and more sense as they are more likely to lose focus on the road and be distracted by who is speaking on the other side of the cell phone.
Cases have risen with large awards given to plaintiffs who were injured from someone who was distracted by their cell phone conversation. If you have been in an accident, find out what was the cause. Police reports will indicate whether the driver was talking on their cell phone or texting at the time of the accident. If you would like further advice in this area and have been injured in an accident, please call us at the law office. We are here to help.
Over and out…
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