SMARTPHONES AND CAR ACCIDENTS

The world is changing at an incredibly fast pace due to technology. Computers have gone from a bulky home luxury to smaller desktops, light laptops and now very impressive tablets and smartphones. Technology truly is in the palm of everyone’s hands. We can check our email, look up websites, Google anything we want, post on Facebook, download apps and even play Words-with-Friends.

Smartphones really do give us the ability to multitask, socialize and keep up with our fast moving world. Because cell phones and smartphones are so convenient and easy to use, people sometimes feel a need and urgency to use their mobile devices while driving.

EMAIL IS THE NEW “TEXT”

It was just a few years ago when email was considered a way of communication that was mostly for business purposes. Now it is hard to sign up or join anything online without an email. Some people even have multiple email accounts. Text messaging will always be around, but email is another distraction that is at our fingertips and easy to access while driving. In just 5 seconds a car driving at 55 MPH can travel the distance of a football field. A lot can happen in those 5 seconds that you are checking your email.

GETTING WAY TOO COMFORTABLE

In 2010 there were 3,267 people killed because of distracted driving. Even though these car accident deaths increased programs for awareness, 2011 saw 3,331 more people lose their lives in a car accident. With 82% of 16-17-year-olds having cell phones and smartphones, it is only a matter of time until they have their license and are behind the wheel. In fact, studies show that 77% of young drivers are confident they can safely text and drive. This is not just about young drivers. Older drivers are guilty of this too. They say it is always good to lead by example, but 48% of kids 12 – 17 years old have said they have been in the car while the driver or parent was on their smartphone. Not to mention, 20% of drivers (all ages) confess to surfing the internet while driving.

FALSE SAFETY – IT’S NOT OKAY

There are some popular beliefs among people who use their cellphones and/or smartphones while driving. Some people feel it is ok to take their eyes off the road if they increase their following distance. Others feel that it is safe if they hold the phone near the windshield and believe this gives them better visibility. There is also the thought that it is ok to just read the text as long as you aren’t typing one. None of these ideas are safe. The road is too unpredictable. There are road hazards, debris, people not using turn signals, cars cutting each other off – and let’s not forget people checking their mobile devices.

Please keep your eyes on the road.

SPEAK TO A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at MADALON LAW are here to help you with any questions you may have. Our car accident attorneys handle cases throughout the State of Florida. Contact us now for a free consultation.