Cell Phone Use While Driving a Leading Cause of Accidents

 Posted on December 20,2018 in Driving Safety

According to studies conducted by the National Safety Council, in both 2016 and 2017, automobile accident deaths in the United States reached 40,000 for the first time in almost a decade. So what is causing the increase in accidents and fatal injuries? 

Law enforcement officials throughout the country believe the increase in collisions is largely due to one major issue: cell phone use while driving. 

Cell Phone Driving Laws in Illinois

Here in the state of Illinois, hand-held cell phone use is banned for all drivers, regardless of age. Still, despite the state law and an increase in hands-free capability in cars, thousands of Illinois drivers choose to text and check emails and social media while driving. Cell phone use behind the wheel is only legal when a driver is in an emergency situation, pulled over to the side of the road, or the vehicle is stopped and put into park or neutral. 

Distracted Driving Kills 

While drunk driving is routinely discussed as the most reckless driving habit, distracted driving is a close second, and much more prevalent. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, just under 3,500 Americans were fatally injured due to distracted driving in 2016. In all, approximately 30,000 people are hospitalized due to distracted driving on an annual basis throughout the United States. While the most likely group to engage in cell phone use while driving is teenagers, no age group is immune.

Despite the increased risk of collisions and injuries, at any given moment, as many as 500,000 drivers are using their cell phones while traveling on American roadways. Other forms of distracted driving include eating and drinking while driving, adjusting the radio, and engaging in conversation while maintaining eye contact with passengers. Needless to say, taking your eyes off the road greatly increases your risk of a dangerous collision. 

Contact a Waukegan Automobile Accident Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our attorney have vast experience working with clients injured in auto collisions. Most car accidents are caused by driver negligence, and despite countless initiatives to reduce distracted driving, it remains a risk we all face each day. If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash, contact us today. We will pursue compensation to cover hospital bills, physical therapy, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, call us at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/distracted.html