Legal news for New York motor vehicle accident lawyers—Drivers distracted by cell phones while operating a motor vehicle are 23 times more likely to crash.
New York, NY (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) – New studies reveal that one in every four motor vehicle accidents has been credited to a “cell phone driver” announced CBS news, January 12, 2010.
Drivers who hold their cell phones while talking or even using a hands-free device are becoming an increasing distraction that can be avoided. Statistics show that in 2003, there were 636,000 motor vehicle accidents due to cell phone use while behind the wheel. In 2008, the numbers skyrocketed to 1.6 million crashes due to cell phone distraction.
A new advocacy group modeled after Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is now on the scene to alert people of how dangerous and deadly distracted drivers can be. They bring to light the heartache of the losses of loved ones who were killed in a distracted driver crash.
One of the tragic occurrences involved a college freshman named Joe Teater who was the victim of a 20-year-old driver who ran a red light chatting on her cell phone, consequently killing. This national advocacy group is called Focus Driven. Their national incentive is to educate all drivers about the dangers of texting and talking while behind the wheel. It was proven that being a distracted driver using cell phone was like driving with a .08 blood alcohol level.
It was also reported that when a driver texts, emails, or talks on the cell phone, he or she is 23 times more likely to crash. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and other safety groups who strive for driver’s safety are urging drivers to put their cell phones away while traveling on the road.
The DOT secretary Ray LaHood appeared on the CBS “The Early Show recently and said that the goal was to have a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. The goal of this group is to increase society’s awareness and shift people’s mindsets about distracted driving.
Bridget Hom
www.NewYorkInjuryNews.com