In 2011, 1.3 million car accidents were caused by cellphone use. Texting while driving is growing, despite numerous safety ad campaigns and public awareness messages. In fact, 34% of all drivers have admitted to texting while driving and 52% have admitted to talking on the cellphone while driving. What’s even worse, is that a staggering 77% of young adults actually believe that they can safely text and drive.
Texting and driving is a lethal combination. In 2012, an estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes that involved a distracted driver. This was a 9% increase from 2011. Yet even with these statistics, the majority of drivers still routinely use their cellphone while driving. In fact, at any given moment, an estimated 800,000 drivers are using a hand-held cell phone.
While texting and driving is illegal in Washington State, drivers still continue to engage in this risky behavior. When they do, the increase the likelihood of getting into car crashes by 23x. Why? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that a texting driver’s eyes are off the road for at least 5 seconds. That is enough time to travel the full length of a football field when traveling at 55mph.
If you want to prevent catastrophic and deadly car accidents, it is important to put down the cellphone and pay attention to the road ahead. Encourage friends and family members to avoid texting or calling you when they know you are in the car driving. If your cellphone is a distraction, consider placing it in the glove box while driving or turning it off completely.
To find more distracted driving statistics visit: http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html
Contact Seattle Personal Injury Lawsuit Attorneys
If a texting driver has injured you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney can help. Texting and driving is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal in Seattle and throughout the State of Washington. Texting drivers should be held accountable for their negligence and the injuries they have caused.
The Seattle car accident injury attorneys at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7. We offer a free case evaluation and a no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.
The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Redmond, South Hill, Bremerton, Shoreline, Woodinville, Lake Stevens, Kent, Federal Way, Olympia, Bellingham, and throughout the State of Washington.