A study found that drivers in Ohio are using their phones differently in 2018 than they were in 2014. The study tracked the behaviors of drivers at red lights at four different locations in Virginia. A report recently released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, revealed the survey’s findings. One of the key takeaways was that drivers were 57% more likely to use a phone to perform tasks other than making calls.
According to the IIHS, drivers were more likely to be involved in a fatal accident when using a cellphone. This is primarily because they were more likely to take their eyes off the road while using their phones. Drivers were also less likely to process information while talking on a phone even if they were looking at the road while their cars were moving.
Researchers noted that there was little evidence to suggest that distracted driving had increased between 2014 and 2018. However, they did say that drivers can be distracted even when they aren’t using their phones. For instance, they could be distracted by their children, eating or taking a sip of coffee. They also said that data collected by other sources throughout the country could be skewed. This is because drivers may not always admit that they were distracted after running a red light or causing an accident.
Those who are hurt by the actions of a negligent driver may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Negligent driving may occur if a person operates a motor vehicle while using a cellphone or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Compensation might be awarded in a settlement or after a formal trial. In some cases, a settlement is reached after the start of a trial.
