The number of car accidents directly linked to distracted driving is on the rise. According to some recently published statistics by the National Safety Council, these types of accidents have increased steadily over the past few years.
While there are other reasons why drivers can become distracted, the main reason is cell phone use while driving.
Your Brain on Cell Phones
Most drivers know that texting while driving is a bad idea, but many continue to send and answer text messages while driving. Texting while at a stop sign or light or while going a slow speed might seem like a safe enough thing to do (after all, many people can almost text with their eyes shut), but the brain actually functions differently when texting and driving simultaneously.
The National Safety Council has recently compiled a number of studies related to changes in the brain while attempting to multitask. As it turns out, it’s impossible to multitask and pay equal attention to both tasks at the same time. In fact, many drivers completely miss things like red lights while talking on the phone or texting, but it’s not so much the devices that are the problem - it’s more than humans are not hard-wired to multitask.
Some Multitasking Statistics
Cognitive Distracted Driving Disorder is not commonly known or heard of problem. It’s not as widespread as something like depression or anxiety, for example. Yet, this disorder is real - and it’s backed by compelling evidence. The disorder is linked to something researchers have named “Inattention Blindness.” When not devoting one-hundred percent of attention to one task, drivers cannot (no matter how hard they try) see and note everything in front of them.
It is estimated that “...drivers using cell phones look but fail to see up to 50% of the information in their driving environment” recent study notes. Further, attempting to make a call (even with a hands-free device) or text while driving is akin to having vision comparable to tunnel vision. This is why it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in the state of Florida - but Florida law is complicated when it comes to accidents that happen as a result of distracted driving.
Wading Through Distracted Driving Laws
Even though it is legal to make cell phone calls while driving in the state of Florida, it is illegal to text and drive. Drivers may text at stoplights; however, many crashes happen every day as a direct result of cell phone use and texting. So, in every automobile accident case, Attorneys must investigate the possibility that cell phone use or texting played in the cause of the accident.
What can you do if you have been in an accident (either as a driver or pedestrian) that has occurred as a result of distracted driving? In order to make sure that you exercise every right possible, the best course of action is to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
We can help you gain the compensation that you may be entitled to during your FREE case evaluation. Call the Dellutri Law Firm today for additional information about distracted driving.
