The number of people who have cell phones with high tech capability is growing exponentially. With that, comes the ability to communicate in a multitude of ways at any time. In Davidson, a growing concern for people who are out of the road is the number of people who are texting and driving. While many don't think they'll be the ones who are in a car collision causing injuries to themselves, their passengers and others, driving while distracted is a common cause of accidents. The statistical studies into the act of texting and driving show that the risks are significant, including serious injury and even death.
Studies have shown that over nine people are killed and 1,060 injured in a car accident due to distracted driving each day.
People are distracted when they take their eyes from the road, remove their hands from the wheel or are thinking of things other than operating their vehicle safely. A common reason people are distracted is by using their cell phones. Between 2010 and 2011, the number of people in the U.S. who died because of distracted driving increased by 64.
The number of people who are using text messaging as a means of communication is also growing rapidly. A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that among drivers between the ages of 18 and 64, 69 percent stated that they spoke on their cell phone while driving within a month of the study while 31 percent admitted to texting or reading emails while they were driving in that same time frame. Younger people have been found to have a higher incidence of texting and driving.
States are increasingly considering harsher legislation to preclude drivers from texting while operating their vehicle. Some are implementing graduated driver's licenses for younger people who have been shown to be more likely to partake in the activity. Federal employees and commercial drivers are subject to federal laws that make it illegal to text and drive. People who are on the road driving safely need to be vigilant of drivers who are predisposed to text and drive. If there is an accident with serious injury, speaking to an attorney about how to proceed is advisable.
Source: CDC.gov, "Distracted Driving," accessed on Aug. 25, 2014
Source: CDC.gov, "Distracted Driving," accessed on Aug. 25, 2014