Distracted driving has been a recurring problem throughout the United States. Every year, lives are lost due to negligent drivers who don’t keep their eyes on the road. One of the deadliest forms of distracted driving is texting and driving. Although thousands of lives are claimed due to texting and driving every year, statistics and findings vary depending on where you find it.
What Is the Impact of Cellphone Use While Driving?
In 2017, over 3,160 people were killed in a car accident due to distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA conducts research every year to reduce the number of crashes and fatal injuries on our roads nationwide.
From 2016 to 2017, NHTSA’s research found that distracted driving by cellphone use decreased by nearly 0.4 percent. However, studies also demonstrate that cellphone use has risen by 14 percent since 2012. Although this means that distracted driving has slightly decreased throughout the years, cellphone use while driving has created a dent on the overall accidents caused by distracted driving.
Has Cellphone Use Decline in Drivers Nationwide?
Although the statistics provided by the NHTSA states that drivers aren’t using their phones as much as they use to, it doesn’t mean that cellphone use is no longer a hazard on our roads. Researchers believe that cellphone use declines are due to recently implemented cellphone laws.
However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that even though phone usage while driving has dropped, drivers are now engaging in riskier behavior when they are checking their phones. This means people have riskier driving habits during the small periods that they use their phones while they drive.
Phoenix Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
Distracted driving is a serious problem on American roads. If you or your loved one were injured because of a distracted driver, you might be entitled to compensation. The Phoenix distracted driving accident attorneys at Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. have decades of experience helping those injured throughout Arizona obtain the compensation they deserve. Our team has received millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, demonstrating that we have a proven track record of success. If you need legal guidance after a car accident, our team is ready to help.
Contact our Phoenix distracted driving accident attorneystoday at (602) 842-6762 to schedule a free initial consultation!