More Young Drivers Using Internet While Behind the Wheel

December 18, 2012

Cellphones have become an essential part of our everyday lives. With so much information available at the push of a button, they have made many tasks considerably easier. Many phones also have GPS devices, which is convenient for the motorist who may be in an unfamiliar area. Some cars even have in-dash features that allow them to access the internet while they are driving.

Unfortunately, this can often serve as a distraction to many motorists. There have been many serious motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers. In Illinois, there is a statewide rule in place that prohibits drivers from texting while driving. There still is no rule that completely bans the use of a handheld cellphone use, but younger drivers are prohibited from using a handheld cellphone while driving.

Internet use while driving on the rise

While texting and calling from behind the wheel might receive the most attention from state and federal officials, there is a new type of distracted driving that is on the rise. State Farm Insurance recently conducted its annual survey of motorists to determine information about their driving habits, and there are some surprising results.

The survey questioned 1000 drivers aged 18 to 29 about their driving habits. The results showed a huge increase in the number of drivers using the internet while driving. In 2011, only 29 percent of drivers said they used the internet while driving. In 2012, this number increased to 49 percent.

Email usage was also up. In 2011, 32 percent of drivers said they checked their email while behind the wheel. In the 2012 survey, this rose to 43 percent. Facebook and other social networks usage also increased. The study showed 36 percent of drivers used social networks while driving, up from 21 percent the year before.

Distracted driving remains safety issue

Despite all of the attention given to distracted driving, it is still a major problem on our roadways. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, try to gather as much information as possible at the scene. If there were witnesses, try to obtain their contact information so that you may reach them if needed.

If there was evidence that the other motorist was distracted, be sure to mention that to police officers at the scene. It can be difficult for this to show up on police reports unless the officer specifically mentions it. If you have been injured, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about your case to learn more about the options that may be available.

Article provided by Clancy Law
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