Cell Phones Increase Injuries on the Road and on the Streets
As we all know, distracted driving rates have increased since cell phones became commonplace. This is mainly due to risky drivers becoming increasingly willing to use their phones while behind the wheel – a hazardous behavior that puts you and everyone else in grave danger.
Cell Phone Related Auto Accidents
According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the amount of crashes caused by phone use has increased by 50% since 2010. Additionally, from 2013 to today, cell phones have been a causal factor in 70,000 car crashes annually in the United States alone.
Figures from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) show that in 2015, there were 500 injuries and 700 property damage accidents from cell phone use in this state. Even though these numbers may make you uncomfortable, the scariest part is that these statistics still underestimate cell phones’ role in car wrecks. While phones may be seen as an example of our technological advancement, they are undeniably a concern for public safety – and this concern is not just limited to those in cars.
Cell Phones Play a Role in Pedestrian Injuries
Each year, we are seeing more reports of distracted-walking-related injuries as well. It has become such a big deal that some cities around the U.S. – such as Fort Lee, New Jersey – are already banning texting while walking in the streets.
People are constantly on their phones while running around to complete daily errands. This is problematic because it takes away our ability to focus on what’s happening in our surrounding environment. Multiple videos have shown people falling into water fountains, walking straight into a pole, and tripping over uneven pavements – all because their eyes were glued to their phone screens.
Watch this Youtube Video – New Research Shows Dangers of Distracted Walking – By CBS. In the video, you will recall the Indiana man who plunged off a California cliff while looking at his device.
The National Safety Council now officially includes “distracted walking” as a category for pedestrian injuries. They discovered that in the U.S., there were over 2,000 injuries that were placed in this category just in 2011. Since then, the numbers are continuing to increase at an exponential rate.
Take a Break From Your Cell Phone
Being more aware and deciding to put your phone down while you’re busy are the most crucial things to remember. After all, a large number of studies have reached the conclusion that we are not as good at multitasking as we think we are. Limiting your phone use while you’re on the go can increase your individual safety as well as the general public safety. Overall, try and save your screen time for moments where you can sit back and relax.
More Posts by Antioch Personal Injury Lawyer Ed Smith:
- College Students and Texting While Driving
- Texting and Driving: Illegal and Dangerous
- Fatal Texting and Driving Accidents
Antioch Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Antioch Personal Injury Lawyer. If you or someone close to you has been through a traumatic accident resulting in serious injury, call me for free and friendly advice at (925)-428-5220 or (800)-404-5400. If you would prefer online communication, contact me by visiting autoaccident.com.
As an injury lawyer, I am passionate about helping people in the Northern California region – including Antioch. My extensive history with personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits includes over three decades of experience.
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Final Photo: Ed Smith, personal injury lawyer Antioch
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