When a driver is behind the wheel, his or her main priority should be the safe operation of the vehicle. This means that individuals should focus on what is going on around him or her, follow the rules of the road and avoid reckless behaviors. Drivers should commit to putting down their phones and focusing on the task at hand. Despite the well-known risks of distracted driving, there is significant evidence to suggest that many drivers choose to continue engaging in this dangerous behavior.
There are many different factors that play a role in this troubling trend. There was a noticeable rise in the rate of distracted driving during Covid. There were fewer drivers on the road at the time, but now that things have returned to normal, distraction has remained a concerning issue. Experts have suggested that between three and four thousand people die in distraction-related accidents every year, but the true number may be much higher.
Using phones to track driver behavior
One of the keys to reducing distracted driving accidents is to understand driver behavior and why they act in certain ways. By using data from certain phone apps, it is easier to understand why drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior and how to discourage it. A company that monitors phone use while driving, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, found that distracted driving went up by approximately 20% from 2020 to 2022. Many drivers are using their phones while driving at speeds of 50 miles per hour and up.
Statistics indicate that American drivers are more likely to engage in distracted driving than drivers in Europe and other parts of the world. Distracted drivers are more than 240 times more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers that are not engaged in distracting behaviors. Some suggest that culture may play a role in American drivers’ propensity to drive while distracted, as well as fewer public transportation options.
Were you injured by a distracted driver?
If you were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in Texas, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. It is possible for you to seek compensation through the civil justice system, and you will benefit from learning about this legal option as soon as possible after a crash. An assessment of your case will help you determine whether this is a beneficial option for you and how to pursue the full and fair recovery you deserve.