The national data on the dangers presented by distracted drivers is so overwhelming that vehicle safety advocacy groups and federal agencies have called for a universal ban on the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices when driving. While the high number of accidents caused by inattentive drivers is usually considered a direct result of a driver averting his or her eyes or attention from the road or removing the driver’s hands from the steering wheel, a new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA) suggests that the situation is more complex than previously understood.
Although the mere process of multi-tasking while operating a motor vehicle is extremely unsafe, a recent study from AAA finds that those who are engaged in distracted driving also tend to simultaneously commit other traffic violations or unsafe driving practices. While the idea of a driver texting and driving may sound dangerous, a motorist decision to speed or drive drowsy may increase this risk exponentially. We have provided a chart below that compares the likelihood of drivers who admit to other dangerous forms of driving behavior when using a cell phone to those who indicate that they do not use their cell phone when driving.
Unsafe Driving Practice Frequent Distracted Drivers Non-Distracted Drivers
Speeding 65 percent 31 percent
Not Wearing Seatbelt 29 percent 16 percent
Driving Drowsy 44 percent 14 percent
Sending Texts/Emails 53 percent 3 percent
It may not come as much of a surprise that drivers who routinely use their cell phones behind the wheel also are more likely to engage in other high risk driving practices. However, the widely recognized danger of driving while distracted by a cell phone becomes that much more ominous when one considers that inattentive drivers simultaneously engage in other hazardous driving practices that put others at risk.
Unfortunately, many drivers appear to disregard the danger of using a cell phone while driving despite recognizing that it poses an unacceptable risk of causing car accident-related injuries and fatalities. Although the AAA study found that nearly 9 in 10 drivers believed that other motorists talking on cell phones while driving posed a risk to their safety, the research also revealed almost 7 in 10 of these same respondents admitted to using a cell phone while driving within the prior month period.
When Atlanta drivers elect to engage in unsafe driving practices and fail to devote their full attention to their driving, they may be financially responsible for injuries or fatalities if they cause a car accident. If you or someone you love has been injured or a family member has died in a Georgia car accident, you may have a right to pursue a legal claim for personal injury or wrongful death. Our experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to those throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.
Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
