Stop Distracted Driving? There's an App for That

April 12, 2013

Stop Distracted Driving? There's an App for That

Article provided by Menges & McLaughlin, P.C.
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While behind the wheel, dialing or texting on a cellphone has been proven to be a major distraction. Even though today's mobile phones are called "smartphones," they are no match for the temptation to check in with friends while on the go, putting others at risk of being involved in a serious car accident. For this reason, phone makers and software developers are attempting to create a technological solution to the distracted driving problem that is plaguing our nation's roadways.

The technological solution to distracted driving is largely coming in the form of phone applications (apps). Such products are being marketed primarily to parents and fleet managers who need to keep their drivers' eyes on the road. One type of such apps simply eliminates distractions by muting the phone when it detects that it is moving at a car's speed. Other types disable the texting feature when the phone is traveling over 10 miles-per-hour. The most restrictive apps disable texting and every other phone feature--such as games or Facebook--with the exception of 911 calls when it detects the phone is in rapid motion.

Despite the promise of a technological solution, experts warn that the apps have many shortcomings. For example, many of the apps cannot tell the difference between driver and passenger and assumes that any phone traveling at car speed belongs to the driver. Because of this, these apps come with easy-to-access override buttons that could be used by the driver, negating any safety benefit of the feature.

It is because technological safeguards can be easily overridden that safety experts at the National Transportation Safety Board recommend a non-technological solution: Don't use your phone at all when driving. In fact, it is recommended that you simply put your phone in your glove compartment while driving. Believing that the solution to distracted driving will be human-based, the NTSB is awarding funding for pilot programs in many states for more police enforcement and public safety campaigns and is reporting that such programs have successfully reduced distracted driving.

The Problem of Distracted Driving

Whether the solution to the problem of distracted driving will be solved technologically or not is up for debate. However, there is little room for discussion about the seriousness of distracted driving as a problem on roads nationwide. In 2010 alone, 3,092 people were killed and 416,000 were injured in accidents nationwide because of a distracted driver.

Pennsylvania has responded to the safety threat that distracted drivers pose by making it is illegal to use a wireless device (such as a cellphone) to send, read or write a text-based communication while the vehicle is in motion. Although illegal, many drivers still find the lure of instant communication too tempting to resist. Fortunately, in many cases, those who are injured are entitled to recover damages such as lost wages and medical bills from the distracted driver.

If you or a loved one has been injured by an inattentive driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and work to recover all compensation due to you under the law.