Cell Phone Use While Driving Continues to Cause Major Car Accidents

 Posted on January 23, 2020 in Distracted Driving Accidents

These days, we use cell phones for almost everything that once required the use of a personal computer. Modern technology allows us to watch the news, check our bank account balance, and even shop for groceries all with our smartphone. Unfortunately, the increasing functionality of cell phones also means more opportunities for distracted driving. Texting and driving has long been a major concern, but now motorists and pedestrians must also worry about drivers scrolling through Facebook, taking pictures of themselves, or even watching Netflix while driving.

Distracted Driving Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nine people are killed in accidents involving distracted driving every day in the U.S. and over 1,000 are injured. When cell phones first gained widespread popularity among the general public, the main concern was texting and driving. Today, there are many additional dangers. In one study, nearly 20 percent of drivers admitted to checking social media accounts while driving. Even more surprising, 8 percent of drivers admitted to watching videos while driving.

Some experts estimate that distracted driving has become an even graver concern than driving under the influence of alcohol. Many people assume that distracted driving refers only to cell phone use, but electronic devices are not the only distractions that can cause deadly car accidents. Anything that takes your hands off of the wheel, your eyes off of the road, or your attention away from driving constitutes distracted driving.  

Illinois Law Regarding Texting and Driving

When you hear the familiar sound of an incoming text message while driving, it can be tempting to quickly check your phone and read the message. However, even taking your eyes and attention off of the road for just a few seconds can be enough to cause an accident. Illinois police are issuing increasingly harsh penalties for drivers who choose to text or otherwise use a cell phone while driving. The fines for a first or second offense are $75 and $160, respectively. If you receive three violations for using your phone while driving, your driver’s license could be suspended. The increasingly strict laws regarding distracted driving will also influence car accident lawsuits. If a driver is breaking the law by using a cell phone and causes a serious accident, he or she will most likely be presumed to be negligent and therefore liable for the damages caused by the accident.

Contact a Lake County Car Accident Lawyer

While you can control your own cell phone use behind the wheel, you are still at risk if others on the road are using theirs. If you or a loved one were involved in a serious auto accident caused by a distracted driver, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. to learn about your options for compensation. Call our office at 847-662-3303 today and schedule a free consultation with a Waukegan personal injury lawyer.

Sources:

https://driversed.com/trending/drivers-admit-to-distracted-driving/

https://wqad.com/2019/06/28/new-texting-and-driving-laws-take-effect-july-1st/