Prior to the emergence of mobile technology, distracted driving mostly referred to a driver who looked away long enough to eat or adjust the radio station and wound up in an accident. Cellphones give drivers even more reason to take their eyes off the roadway. Taking the time to dial a cellphone or read and respond to text messages while behind the wheel has made travel distracted driving deadlier in New Jersey and throughout the country.
Distracted drivers disregard safety
A rising perception among motorists is that distracted driving is on the rise and causing more motor vehicle accidents. A recent survey commissioned by Netradyne, an artificial intelligence provider, shows that the most common way distracted driving occurs is while taking a drink, and the most severe problem is while using social media. About 20% of 1,248 drivers surveyed admitted to engaging in distracted driving and being ticketed for a related traffic offense. One in seven survey respondents either totaled a vehicle or suffered a bodily injury due to distracted driving.
Safety concerns are rising
The proliferation of mobile technology and its relative ease of use is increasing motorists’ concerns. The survey shows that 82% of motorists surveyed think distracted driving is becoming a more common and more serious problem. More than 9 in 10 of those motorists say that they are safe drivers, but about half of those drivers say they could improve their safe driving habits.
The distracted driving survey affirms that the problem is controllable and mostly just needs more drivers to ignore their text messages and social media accounts while behind the wheel. If a distracted driver caused an accident in which you were injured, an attorney experienced in motor vehicle accident cases may review your case and work to help you obtain the best possible outcome.