Mobile phones are a part of everyday life in America. For many, so is driving. However, if a driver combines the two, it can be devastating for drivers and pedestrians alike.
A study by the National Library of Medicine found that the effects of using a cellphone while driving can be just as frightening as drunk driving, which causes thousands of accidents in the U.S. every year.
How are these actions similar?
When a driver is texting, typing, or scrolling through social media while behind the wheel, they are clearly not focusing on the road. This can increase the risk that a driver might:
- Have a slowed reaction time
- Not notice a pedestrian crossing
- Miss important road signs and turn signals
- Ignore fellow motorists and other road activity
- Unconsciously speed up or slow down
- Swerve into oncoming traffic
As you can see, these risks are similar to some of the dangers posed by driving while under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances. These dangers could increase the chance that a driver gets into a devastating car accident which can lead to property damage, life-altering injuries and death. However, it is possible to seek compensation from injuries related to texting and driving.
Using a phone while behind the wheel can endanger a driver, fellow motorists and pedestrians but awareness of it can help keep Florida roads safer.