Cell phones are a modern necessity. With a decreasing number of public phones, and an increasing demand for constant availability, cell phones are the most convenient way for us to stay in touch with co-workers, family, and friends.
Like all conveniences, however, there is an appropriate and inappropriate time to use them, and driving falls into the latter category. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, your chance of being involved in an automobile accident increases 25% when you use a cell phone.
Statistics
More studies are done on a yearly basis to investigate the impact driving while using a cell phone has on accidents. Current evidence suggests that:
- Using a cell phone while driving decreases your attentiveness to the road by at least 37%
- Drivers who talk on the phone operate a vehicle in the same manner as someone with a blood alcohol level of .08
- Drivers between 18 and 24 who were texting while driving were responsible for 21% of all fatal crashes in 2008
- There is no evidence to suggest that using a hands-free device is any safer than using a hand held device while driving
Even with such alarming statistics, 73% of all drivers admit to using their phones while driving. All too often these drives are responsible for accidents that result in personal injury to their victims. When this happens, the experienced attorneys at Long & Long are ready to help victims get the compensation they deserve.
If you have been involved in an accident caused by a driver who was using his cell phone in Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, or Baldwin County, Alabama, please contact the auto accident attorneys at Long & Long to discuss how we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and personal loss.