Cellphone Use While Driving Decreases in Washington
Posted Friday, February 1, 2019 by Chris Thayer
Link TextWe live in the age of technology; there is always some new gadget that draws interest from the public. While advances in technology are generally a positive development, there are some areas in which an advancement in technology can post serious risks. The use of smartphones and other handheld devices while driving is a serious problem. These gadgets distract a driver from the task at hand — safely driving from one place to another.
Because of the dangers of distracted driving, law enforcement officers are cracking down on the use of cellphones while driving by doling out fines. A study conducted by the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission estimates that the percentage of drivers who are using a cellphone while driving is actually decreasing. Their study found that the percentage of people holding a cellphone while driving has dropped to 3.4% from 6%. Additionally, the percentage of people who were distracted decreased one percentage point to 8.2% of drivers. This study was conducted by volunteers observing instances of distracted driving.
The Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act states that “a person who uses a personal device while driving a motor vehicle on a public highway is guilty of a traffic infraction and must pay a fine.” Approximately 31, 160 tickets were issued to Washington drivers between January and November 2018. While the study conducted by the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission found that cell phone use decreased, there were still plenty of other distractions for drivers like eating, talking with passengers, or changing the radio station. Even if the amount of drivers using a cell phone has decreased, any type of distracted driving can be dangerous to you and the other drivers around you.
*Dangers of Distracted Driving*There are many dangers and risks associated with distracted driving. Distracted driving can refer to anything that takes a driver’s concentration away from the road ahead. Distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than those drivers who are not distracted. While you can not control the actions of other motorists on the road, you can make sure that you are not driving distracted.
Here are some ways you can help prevent distracted driving:
- Instruct New Drivers: If someone you know is new to driving, or just needs a refresher, talking about the dangers of distracted driving can aid the cause. Discuss the importance of keeping your eyes on the road and minimizing all distractions. Not everyone thinks that using a cellphone in a car is dangerous. Explain the dangers of cellphone use, and other distractions.
- Practice What You Preach: Follow your own advice and do not drive while distracted.
If you have been injured because of a distracted driver, contact the personal injury attorneys at Pivotal Law Group. We know how frustrating it can be to be injured by another’s negligence while you were following all traffic laws. Contact us today for a consultation and to find out how we can help you.
(image courtesy of Priscilla du Preez)