Distracted Driving Disconnect: Most Americans Believe They Are Safe Drivers, Despite Cell Phone Use

 Posted on September 14, 2016 in Distracted Driving

It seems that there is a distracted driver on almost every corner – someone applying makeup, talking on their cell phone, or searching for something in their passenger side floorboard. The increasing prevalence of distracted driving accidents and fatalities support the increase of inattentive drivers. Yet, according to a recent survey from Everquote, there is a disconnect between driver perception and reality in America. Sadly, this suggests the distracted driver problem is only going to get worse.

How Big is the Distracted Driver Problem?

Last year, traffic deaths in America rose by 7.2 percent. This is the largest increase in 50 years. Even more concerning is that distracted driving is also increasing. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distraction-related crashes rose by more than eight percent in the past year. Further, around 10 percent of the 35,000 accidents in 2015 were due to distracted driving.

The Distracted Driving Disconnect

Of the 2,300 people surveyed in the Everquote survey, 96 percent said they thought they were a “safe” driver. Yet, more than half of those same drivers (56 percent) admitted that they sometimes use their cell phones while driving. Even more concerning is that the Everdrive app, which tracked cell phone use of these drivers, found that some may not even realize they are using their cell phone behind the wheel. Data showed that 96 percent had engaged their cell phone at least once over a 30-day period, and drivers averaged approximately one call per trip.

This information suggests that drivers are more than just distracted – they are oblivious to their dangerous actions. As a result, they are putting their lives, and the lives of other road users at risk. Yet, this disconnect does not excuse them from fault in an accident, nor does it release them from accountability when someone else is injured or wrongfully killed.

Distracted Driver Accident Death or Injury? Contact Our Joliet Auto Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a distracted driver accident, you have the right to seek damages for your losses. Compensation may not be able to give back what was taken from you, but it can help ease the stress and financial burden that you are facing. Dedicated to your best interests, the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. will fight for full and fair compensation in your auto accident claim. Contact our seasoned Joliet auto accident attorneys at 815-666-1285 and schedule your consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.everquote.com/everdrive/confused-state-of-distracted-driving/

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/08/29/491854557/traffic-deaths-climb-by-largest-increase-in-decades

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812318