Distracted driving is a serious problem across the United States. A historic spike in the number of deaths associated with U.S. traffic accidents indicates that smartphones are linked to fatalities on the road.
Many people recognize the significant danger associated with using any handheld device while driving a car. Recent research has also indicated that manipulating a GPS can increase your chances of an accident as well.
However, many of those same individuals who support bans on texting, and driving, and other distracted driving legislation, still engage in the behavior themselves, indicating a false sense of confidence about the dangers of the behavior.
Car Accident Fatalities
U.S. road fatalities have increased for the second consecutive year. The road fatalities in 2016 are a 5.6 percent increase from motor vehicle deaths tallied in 2015. After decades of declining road deaths, U.S. traffic fatalities have increased by 14.4 percent over the past two years. More than 100 individuals every day have died in or near a vehicle in the United States.
Regulators have expressed concern, that they’re not sure why crash related deaths are spiking. People are driving longer distances than in previous years, but the total mileage racked up by American drivers, is just above two percent in terms of growth last year.
The only significant difference in the data analyzing road deaths, is that there has been a substantial uptick in smartphone use in U.S. drivers as they are operating a car. Accordingly, the number of Americans who owned an Android, iPhone, or comparable smart phone, increased from 75 percent to 81 percent between 2014 and 2016.
Another reason behind the potential spike in road deaths, still indicates that smartphones are linked to fatalities. More Americans are using their phones than ever before, while they drive. They’re engaging in social media, texting, and making phone calls – activities that all require more attention than simply using voice command.
By 2015, up to 70 percent of people across the country were using their smartphones to share photos and news events over social media. That number has increased to 80 percent in recent years.
Finally, another reason why smartphones are linked to fatalities according to recent studies is because of the number of deaths increasing for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists, all of whom are easier to miss on the roadway if you’re looking up from your driver seat after glancing down at your phone. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and can lead to a personal injury lawsuit.
Making a phone call while operating a piece of heavy machinery is always dangerous, but there are many other reasons why smartphones are linked to fatalities, presenting significant dangers for people in the United States..
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in an accident, consult with the experienced lawyers at McDonald Worley to get help with your legal claim. The case review is FREE, so call today!