Have you ever been rear-ended (or nearly so) by a distracted driver while waiting at a red light? It’s a frustrating experience we’ve all likely encountered. Our smartphones have become indispensable but pose a significant danger when used behind the wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone, making it a leading cause of traffic fatalities.
While a quick text or a hands-free call may seem harmless, these distractions contribute to 20% of car crash injuries. The consequences extend beyond minor accidents, as stricter laws now impose fines, lawsuits, or even worse penalties for distracted driving.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the harsh realities of distracted driving and how it can become a legal liability for you.
The Distracted Driving Epidemic
Distracted driving has become a chilling reality of our modern age. Drivers are distracted by their phones for at least 10% of their driving time. That glance at a notification may seem tempting, but it can have disastrous consequences.
At its core, distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from the road. This includes not only texting and talking on the phone but also adjusting the radio, reaching for a snack, or even engaging in deep conversations with passengers. These distractions can be deadly, and it’s a nationwide epidemic that hasn’t spared Colorado, for example.
Colorado is an example of distracted driving where the problem is particularly acute. Around 648 lives were lost in car accidents, and thousands more were injured, according to Springs Law Group.
One tragic case is of Tesla employee Hans Von Ohain, who was killed in a Colorado car crash while reportedly using his Tesla Model 3’s Autopilot system.
According to reports and a lawsuit filed by his widow, the Autopilot system malfunctioned, causing the car to veer off the road and collide with a tree. The vehicle then caught fire, resulting in Von Ohain’s death. A passenger in the vehicle managed to escape with injuries.
The lawsuit alleges that the Autopilot malfunction prevented Von Ohain from maintaining vehicle control. This case raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of Tesla’s Autopilot system and highlights the dangers of over-reliance on technology, which can lead to driver distraction and accidents.
Suppose you’ve been injured in a car accident in Colorado Springs. In that case, it’s crucial to understand relevant state laws, such as how fault is determined in car accident cases, the deadline for filing lawsuits, accident reporting requirements, and specific auto insurance laws. An experienced Colorado Springs auto accident attorney can provide valuable guidance and assistance navigating these legal complexities.
How Your Phone Becomes a Legal Liability
You’ve heard the warnings: distracted driving is dangerous. But did you know your phone could also land you serious legal trouble? That device can become a lawyer’s secret weapon faster than you can send a text.
Distracted Driving Laws
In the U.S., the rules on using your phone while driving vary by state, as traffic laws are determined at the state level. Most states have implemented restrictions on accessing, viewing, or reading non-navigation-related content on phones to curb distracted driving.
Texting bans prohibit drivers from typing while driving but generally allow talking on hand-held mobile devices. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures:
- Twenty-seven states, Guam, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, forbid all drivers from using hand-held phones.
- Ohio also prohibits using hand-held cell phones or electronic devices while driving, except for swiping to answer calls and holding the phone to the ear during a conversation.
- No state has banned all cellphone use for drivers, but 36 states and D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice or teen drivers, while 20 states and D.C. prohibit any cell phone use for school bus drivers.
- Forty-nine states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and D.C., forbid text messaging for all drivers.
It’s important to note that many of these bans include various exemptions, such as for emergencies, law enforcement, and first responders.
Stay informed about the specific laws in your state to avoid legal consequences and prioritize safety on the road.
The Price of Distraction
What kind of legal trouble are we talking about? It’s not just a minor inconvenience. We’re talking about hefty fines that will significantly impact your finances, points on your license that can lead to skyrocketing insurance rates, and even jail time in extreme cases.
Be prepared to face a lawsuit if you cause an accident while texting or scrolling through social media. You could be liable for medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and other damages. The consequences become even more severe if someone is seriously injured or killed, potentially leading to criminal charges such as reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter.
FAQs
What Age Group is Most Distracted while Driving?
Teenagers are most prone to distracted driving. Their inexperience behind the wheel, coupled with a higher likelihood to use electronic devices or engage with passengers while driving, significantly increases their risk of accidents compared to older, more experienced drivers.
How Does a Mobile Phone Cause an Accident?
Mobile phones cause accidents by distracting drivers from the essential tasks of driving. When a driver focuses on their phone, whether for texting, calling, or other activities, their attention is diverted from the road. This inattention leads to delayed reactions, missed traffic signals, and an inability to make safe driving decisions.
How Does Distracted Driving Affect the Brain?
Distracted driving suppresses brain activity associated with visual processing and attention. This means the driver’s brain is less able to focus on the road and react to potential hazards, increasing the risk of accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine lives are tragically lost every day in the United States due to accidents caused by distracted driving. Our phones’ convenience pales compared to the potential consequences: accidents, injuries, lawsuits, and even fatalities.
Remember, every time you take the wheel, you bear the responsibility for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Make the conscious choice to put your phone away, focus on driving, and arrive at your destination safely. Your life and the lives of those around you are infinitely more valuable than any text message or social media update.