Drivers Distracted by Cell Phones Increase Accidents
In our fast-paced world, there are more and more distractions for drivers on the road. According to CTIA – The Wireless Association there were 293 million wireless cell phone subscribers as of June 2010 in the US. This has increased 51% from 194 million in June 2005. With the increase in cell phones – distracted driving accidents are likely.
At any given moment, there are about 672,000 motorists using hand held cell phones according to the federal government estimates. This nearly tripled from 2000 to 2008 though the number decreased slightly in 2009. Of these drivers, those between the ages of 16-24 are the most likely to be talking on cell phones.
Distracted drivers can be very dangerous and they increase the risk of injuries after a Car Accident. Crash risk was linked directly to cell phone usage in two recent controlled studies. According to the 2005 study in Western Australia, cell phone users were four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
In 2009 5,474 traffic fatalities and 448,000 injuries were linked to distracted driving. The law firm of Bachus & Schanker aggressively pursues these cases on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted driver, Car Accident our experienced attorneys for a FREE and immediate initial consultation.
For more information on distracted driving, see the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
