Although texting while driving is illegal in nearly all the states, drivers continue to indulge in this dangerous behavior. Many drivers also habitually talk on the phone while behind the wheel, whether on a handheld or hands-free version. Texting while driving is recognized as a significant safety hazard, but even chatting on the phone increases the risk of an accident. A personal injury attorney in Centralia, IL represents victims of accidents caused by these drivers.
Safety experts, law enforcement officials, healthcare workers and a large number of other people want tremendously to have everyone stop using phones in vehicles. Yet even though the hazards, especially of texting, are well-publicized, drivers seem unable to kick the habit. Why has it become so difficult to drive without using a cell phone?
Immediate Gratification
These phones provide immediate gratification, explaining why they have an addictive quality. Text messages, phone calls, social media and even personal emails stimulate brain activity that feels pleasurable. People feel compelled to use this technology while driving, although they have been told repeatedly that doing so is unsafe. Some even use video chat behind the wheel.
Unrealistic Beliefs
In general, men, women and even teenagers also believe they are very safe drivers. In any given survey, nearly everyone claims to be in the top 10 percent of safe driving behavior. That makes them feel somewhat invincible when using a cell phone. If they have never caused a collision, they do not expect to ever do so.
Surveys also indicate that people have no realistic idea of how often they use the phone while driving. A personal injury attorney in Centralia, IL provides representation for people who have suffered serious consequences because of these drivers.
Relevant Statistics
Nine people are killed by distracted drivers in the United States every day and hundreds more are injured. The distraction is not always due to cell phone use, but statistics show that one in four accidents now are associated with that behavior. Individuals who have been seriously harmed by a distracted driver may reach out to a law firm such as Olson and Reeves for a free initial consultation.
