Ohio residents no doubt hear plenty about distracted driving these days. It is a topic that is frequently referenced, especially now as April is distracted driving month. However, despite growing awareness that the use of phones to text or make calls by hand while driving is dangerous, it appears that many people are simply unwilling to stop doing so. Cellphone use has become so much a normal part of life that it remains a big challenge to put these gadgets aside when behind the wheel.
In the past two years, the number of people killed in automobile crashes in the United States has risen an estimated 14 percent. Distracted driving is reportedly one of the big contributing factors to this jump. A study recently conducted by Cambridge Mobile Telematics found that drivers in nearly 25 percent of all accidents were using their phones just prior to the wrecks. With an average distraction lasting two minutes and 15 seconds, there is ample time for mistakes to occur – mistakes that can cause serious injuries and even deaths.
The study was based upon following data collected over a period of 18 months from more than 100,000 drivers. Measured use of phones did not include use of phones when vehicles were stopped or in a mounted and stationary position. Law enforcement officials continue to struggle with how to enforce bans as they say there are simply too many people violating the laws for them to effectively stop everyone.
While effort goes into finding new ways to keep people safe, Ohioans who are involved in accidents caused by potentially distracted drivers might find it helpful to talk with an attorney and learn how to seek compensation.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “1 in 4 drivers was on a phone just before crash, study of distracted driving says,” Mary Wisniewski, April 3, 2017
