Even though there are numerous campaigns warning of the dangers of texting while driving, people all over Georgia continue to do it. According to the U.S. Government Website for Distracted Driving, “[a]t any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.” Further, the average amount of time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting is five seconds. If that driver is traveling 55mph, that is enough time for the vehicle to cover the length of a football field.
So, if we all know that texting and driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, why do we continue to do it? As with most things, most drivers do not believe that texting will cause them to be in a crash. Most Americans believe that they can effectively multitask while driving safely. However, the numbers prove this belief to be wrong. In fact, nobody can drive safely while they are distracted. Sadly, studies have revealed that even if a driver has had a close call, they will continue texting behind the wheel because they believe they will not actually be in an accident.
An interesting study performed by the University of Utah revealed that a driver that is texting is just as unsafe as a drunk driver. In fact, using a cell phone while behind the wheel (either hands-free or hand-held phones) can delay the driver’s reaction time as much as having a .08% blood alcohol concentration. Ironically, most drivers agree they should never drink and drive, they see no problem with texting while driving.
When a driver is reading or sending a text message while driving a vehicle, his or her focus changes from the road to the phone screen. If this delays reaction time to the same as a drunk driver, shouldn’t we all reconsider using our cell phones while behind the wheel? Most states have passed laws restricting texting and driving. In Georgia, all drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. This includes all types of devices and the ban applies to reading, sending or writing texts, instant messages, email, and Internet data.
If you have been involved in an auto accident, it is possible that the use of a cell phone was the cause or at least a contributory factor. One of our accident attorneys can help you discover whether the other driver was distracted while driving, as well as explore all of your options for recovering the damages you suffered.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident that was not your fault you have the right to receive compensation. The attorneys of Murphy & Garner, LLC, have over 32 years of experience serving accident victims in western Georgia and the surrounding area. We will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 866-942-0552 or 678-563-1584.
