Texting – Most Alarming Distraction

The statistics surrounding distracted driving are significant. According to a Carnegie Mellon study, using a cell phone reduces driving-related brain activity by 37 percent. Almost 6000 people died in crashes in 2008 involving a distracted driver. Most likely, this is under-reported. About a half million people were injured during the same period. Inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.

The last statistic is palpable. Not only are young drivers inexperienced, they are also very prone to cell-phone use and texting while driving.

In addition to the above, drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into injury-causing crashes. And driving while using a cell phone affects driver reaction time as much as driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent. This is above the legal limit in all states. Texting while driving is much like driving under the influence.

Problems Seem to be Increasing

Unfortunately, the problem seems to be increasing nationwide. Use of electronic devices is exploding among people of all ages, but especially among those in the high -risk group under the age of 20. There is no easy solution to the problem, but it is one worth seriously addressing.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile accidents and the injuries they can cause. Our firm will investigate the causes of the accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Daytona Beach car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.