Cell Phone Use Remains Top Factor in Distracted Driving Accidents

While there are a lot of different distractions that can affect our ability to drive safely and avoid being the cause of a car crash, safety experts contend that cell phone use behind the wheel remains perhaps the most dangerous. In fact, in a recent report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) claimed that distracted driving has become even more prominent since the pandemic, as revealed by a 20 percent increase in such behaviors between February 2020 and February 2022. Even this may not be an accurate reflection of the problem, as most experts agree that distracted driving remains underreported.

More Than Just Texting 

For the last few years, more attention has been given to texting and driving by safety experts and lawmakers than to other forms of cell phone use. The IIHS, however, reported a general increase not just in drivers who text, but in motorists who spend any amount of time on their phones. More and more drivers, for instance, seem to be spending time browsing the internet and checking their email while at the wheel, with one recent survey revealing that half of the drivers surveyed admitted to using an electronic device nearly every time they drove the previous month. This type of behavior has proven deadly, with the IIHS’ study revealing that distracted driving accounts for nearly ten percent of all traffic fatalities. A recent NHTSA report, however, suggests that the death toll from distracted driving-related accidents could be as much as three times higher, with cell phone use responsible for as many as six percent of those accidents.

Safety Features Could Help 

Although cell phones are one of the biggest distractions when driving, the IIHS safety experts believe that they could also be used to mitigate some types of distractions. Members of the agency posit that a “do not distribute feature” could be used to block incoming calls and notifications while someone is behind the wheel, while other applications could be used as a substitute for some safety measures in vehicles that aren’t equipped with those features. An application could, for instance, even provide forward collision warning through a phone’s forward-facing camera. Other apps that are currently in development also use cameras to monitor driver eye movement and head direction to alert motorists to potential distractions. Unfortunately, even these kinds of safety features are no guarantee of safety.

Set Up a Free Consultation Today 

According to safety experts, the best way to reverse the alarming distracted driving trend in the U.S. is to implement stronger state laws, improve enforcement, and increase public awareness. Unfortunately, until these changes are made, road users remain in danger of being involved in a distracted driving crash. If this happens to you, you’ll likely need help proving that distraction was a contributing factor in your accident. The experienced Atlanta distracted driving accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell can help. Call us at 404-593-0020 or send us an online message to get started.

Sources: 

ghsa.org/resources/news-releases/IIHS-Distracted-Driving-Report23

iihs.org/topics/bibliography/ref/2280