Texting while driving is becoming a dangerous trend and a national issue. It is quickly becoming one of the top causes of car accidents. During a recent survey, most drivers claimed that they could handle texting while driving and remain safe, but the number of car accidents reported for texting and driving does not support this. According to one study, it was revealed that car accidents caused by texting while driving can be more dangerous than driving while intoxicated, causing drivers to miss traffic signals and react more slowly to driving conditions.
Some Facts of Texting and Driving Accidents
Below are the results of some surveys conducted concerning car accidents caused by texting while driving:
- 1,600,000 accidents per year – National Safety Council
- 330,000 injuries per year – Harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study
- 11 teen deaths everyday – Ins. Institute for Highway Safety Fatality Facts
Texting while Driving Is More Dangerous Than Drunk Driving
In nearly 25% of all car accidents, texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to cause a car accident than driving while intoxicated. As per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, texting while driving is the same as driving after 4 beers and is the number one driving distraction reported so far. In addition, someone who is texting while driving is 23 times more likely to crash because it takes ones eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. The reaction time during an emergency, for texting drivers, is 35% slower than the reaction time taken by drunk drivers during an emergency. As per the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society, texting while driving slows down your brake reaction speed by 18% which is higher than drunk driving.
The number of car accidents is caused by texting while driving is increasing at an alarming rate. Texting while driving can make a driver forget that he is actually driving and get lost in the text conversation. These studies, facts and records show that texting while driving can be more dangerous than drunk driving.
Were You Injured in an Accident Caused by Driver Who Was Texting and Driving? Call Us!
Our car accidents attorneys at The Reinken Law Firm have 30 years of experience in successfully handling many cases in the Connecticut area for victims of accidents. If you are injured in an accident due to the fault of a driver who was texting while driving, call us today at 203-541-0090.
FAQ
Is texting while driving more dangerous than drunk driving?
Yes. Studies show that texting while driving can be more dangerous than drunk driving. Drivers who text are up to 23 times more likely to crash because they take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. Research also shows that texting slows reaction time more than alcohol impairment in some emergency situations.
What should I do if I was injured by a driver who was texting while driving in Connecticut?
If you were injured by a distracted driver, seek medical attention immediately and document the scene if possible. Contact an experienced Connecticut car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. An attorney can investigate phone records, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.