Survey Finds More Drivers Surfing Web While Behind the Wheel

January 25, 2013

Survey finds more drivers surfing Web while behind the wheel

Cellphones that double as mini-computers and allow you to remain constantly connected to your friends and family via email and social networking sites have many benefits -- a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, easily accessible from any location where you can connect to your network. As a result, these days few people leave home without their smartphones.

As people have become more accustomed to using their cellphones for a wide array of activities, it has become harder for them to put their phones away for an extended period of time. Consequently, the number of people using cellphones while behind the wheel has been increasing, leading to a rise in the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers.

In fact, a new study conducted by State Farm, found that the number of young people -- between the ages of 18 and 29 -- who use cellphones to search the Internet while they are driving increased last year. In 2009, the same survey found that 29 percent of young drivers searched the Web while behind the wheel. In 2012, that number surged to 48 percent. The study found that drivers of all ages have actually started engaging in this dangerous behavior more frequently. In 2009, 13 percent of drivers from all demographics reported surfing the Internet while driving -- in 2012, that number rose to 21 percent.

In addition, the State Farm survey found that more drivers are checking their email and browsing social media sites while on the road. In 2009, 32 percent of young motorists checked their email and 21 percent used social media networks while driving. In 2012, the survey found 43 percent of young drivers checked email and 36 percent used social media sites while behind the wheel.

Young drivers are the most likely to be distracted at the time of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11 percent of drivers under 20 years of age who caused deadly motor vehicle accidents were distracted when the collision occurred.

Distracted driving laws in Washington

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 758 people died in Washington State between 2004 and 2008 due to distracted driving accidents. In fact, distracted driving accounted for over one-quarter of all traffic fatalities in the state during that period.

As a result of the dangers of distracted driving, a number of laws have been implemented in Washington to protect motorists on the road. In response to the concern about young distracted drivers, Washington law prohibits novice drivers from using any type of cellphone -- including both handheld and hands-free -- when behind the wheel.

In addition, all drivers in Washington State are prohibited from using handheld cellphones or texting while driving.

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, consulting with a skilled, Washington personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by Law Offices of Magnuson Lowell P.S.
Visit us at http://www.magnusonlowellpersonalinjury.com/