Busy schedules make for busy lives. For some, they look for ways to multi-task. This may mean taking on additional tasks while going from one place to the other. Unfortunately, this often causes some motorists to believe it is safe to take calls, answer e-mails and send texts while driving. Although this addresses some of the day’s tasks, it ends up creating hazards for not only the driver, but also other travelers on Virginia roadways.
Distracted driving is dangerous and is the cause of numerous automobile accidents each year. In most cases, these accidents are considered preventable. If it was not for the driver doing a distracting activity, the serious or fatal crash could have been avoided. While there are many forms of distracted driving, we will focus on just one type: texting and driving. What are some facts about texting and driving?
When a driver is texting behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, he or she is 23 times more likely to be involved in an automobile collision. Teen drivers spend roughly 10 percent of the time outside of their lane when they text and drive. While around 97 percent of teen drivers agree that texting while driving is dangerous, 43 percent of them still do it.
For all drivers, 19 percent admit to searching the Internet while driving. Phone usage while driving occurs in all states despite the fact that 43 states and Washington, D.C., prohibit all drivers from doing so. It was determined that women are more likely than men to reach for their phone while driving. It was also discovered that 9 in 10 teens believe that they are expected to reply to a text or an email within five minutes of receiving it. This puts much pressure on them to use a cell phone while driving.
These few facts help illustrate that cell phone use behind the wheel is still ongoing. This dangerous activity is distracting and could be the cause of a serious and even fatal crash. Thus, it is important for victims of a car accident to consider distracted driving as the cause of the crash.