Distracted drivers still find it hard to kick the electronic habit

April 26, 2013 (Press-News.org) With all the media attention focused on the dangers of distracted driving, one might expect that drivers have taken the message to heart and have decided to put away their cellphones while driving -- both for their own safety as well as others'. However, recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that an alarmingly high number of drivers continue to use electronic devices behind the wheel, significantly increasing the risk of a dangerous distracted driving accident.

Distracted driver statistics

The NHTSA's National Occupant Protection Use Survey revealed that about 660,000 people are using cellphones or other electronic devices while driving at any daylight moment in the U.S. This number has remained about the same since 2010, despite increased messaging and awareness around the hazards of distracted driving.

In another NHTSA survey, more than 6,000 drivers at least 16 years old provided information on their driving behaviors to researchers by telephone. Nearly half of the respondents said they answer incoming phone calls while driving, and 25 percent were willing to make a phone call on at least some of their trips behind the wheel. In a press release, the NHTSA said that, considering the number of licensed drivers in the U.S., this equates to approximately 102 million drivers answering their cellphones and about 50 million drivers making phone calls.

Perhaps aware of the dangers presented by distracted driving, even if people are unable or unwilling to change their own behavior, 94 percent of the drivers surveyed by phone supported a ban on texting while driving, and 74 percent supported a ban on handheld cellphone use.

New Jersey's distracted driving laws

In fact, 39 states including New Jersey ban texting while driving for all drivers. Because New Jersey's ban is a primary enforcement law, police can pull drivers over if they are texting behind the wheel even if they are not committing any other offense. Further, New Jersey bans handheld cellphone use for all drivers, joining nine other states in requiring drivers to use hands-free devices at all times.

In spite of these bans, however, drivers are still distracted by cellphones, and they sometimes cause serious injury or death in a car accident. A driver who has been injured in a crash with a distracted driver may be able to sue the driver in a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for his or her injuries and related expenses.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a distracted driving accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to pursue your legal options for recovery.

Article provided by Fishman McIntyre P.C.
Visit us at www.jaeleelaw.com