When there is an auto accident in Northeast Wisconsin, it has become common for it to be due to a distracted driver. It has gotten to the point where people who are in a crash will automatically and reflexively think that it was because the other driver was texting, talking on his or her cellphone, or just surfing the web. Many are under the impression that they can multitask and do so safely. Unfortunately, they cannot and it can lead to a car crash with injuries and death. A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety examined this troublesome phenomenon as well as other risky behaviors.
The statistics were accrued via voluntary survey. Eighty-eight percent of drivers think that distracted driving is increasing. As an issue, it has far surpassed other dangerous behaviors such as aggressive drivers and drivers under the influence. Since 2013, there has been a 30 percent increase in drivers who admit to using a cellphone while driving. Forty-nine percent stated they had recently spoken on a cellphone while behind the wheel. Close to 35 percent said they texted or emailed. This is simultaneous to 58 percent of drivers saying that they believe talking on a cellphone places them in danger. 78 percent view texting as a significant danger.
Other dangerous behaviors were addressed in the survey. Slightly more than 50 percent of drivers stated they drove 15 mph above the speed limit when on the highway. More than 47 percent said they drove 10 mph above the speed limit in residential areas. Both are higher than they were in past surveys. Just under 43 percent said they drove through stoplights just as they were turning red when they believed they would have been able to stop. Almost 93 percent stated they thought this was unacceptable behavior.
Considering the number of fatalities on U.S. roads in 2016 – more than 37,000 – it is imperative to understand how drivers think. Part of that is understanding the belief that using a cellphone behind the wheel is something that an individual believes he or she can do, but others should not. When there is a crash of any kind, those who were injured must understand how the aftermath can hinder their lives. With medical costs, lost time on the job, the inability to function normally and even death, a legal filing can be critical to being compensated. Discussing the case with Northeast Wisconsin car accident injury attorneys can help with investigating the case, gathering information, and moving forward with a legal filing.
Source: wrn.com, “AAA survey: distracted driving appears on the rise,” March 29, 2018