New distracted driver research shows higher frequency of behavior

Distracted driving has become a prominent topic for discussion because it is such a common cause of car accidents. Despite drivers claiming they know how dangerous it is to drive while distracted, many are still doing it. Researchers examined the factors behind distracted driving and Zendrive, a company that conducts analysis of how drivers behave, says that the problem is far worse than other researchers have suggested. Given this information, drivers have even more cause for concern and should know that, if they are involved in a crash, it could have been caused by a distracted driver.

In its 2018 Distracted Driving Snapshot, Zendrive found that 60 percent of drivers use their cellphones at least one time each day. It was estimated that 69 million drivers use their cellphones behind the wheel each day, a number that is exponentially higher than prior estimates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that 660,000 drivers used their devices when behind the wheel during daylight hours. This number amounted to 6 percent of drivers. The numbers from the new study are 100 times worse.

There has been an increase of distracted drivers in every state in the U.S. except Vermont. The time at which the most drivers were distracted was between noon and 5 p.m. Since the numbers are worse than previously thought, it is also possible that the number of accidents due to distracted drivers might also be worse.

Any auto accident can cause major problems in a person’s life. There can be hospitalization, rehabilitation, surgical procedures, paralysis and more. Victim’s entire lives can be upended because of car accident injuries. If the accident was caused by a distracted driver, it can be a vital part of a legal case. A lawyer who understands how to investigate car crashes and move forward with a legal filing is key.

Source: 247wallst.com, “Distracted Driving 100 Times Worse Than Expected,” Douglas A. McIntyre, April 10, 2018