Distracted Drivers on Cell Phones
Studies have also shown that driving performance is lowered and the level of distraction is higher for drivers who are heavily engaged in cell phone conversations. The researchers at the NHTSA and Virginia Tech even came up with exact car accident statistics on the matter:
Dialing a cell phone increased the risk of a car accident or near car accident 2.8 times.
Talking on a cell phone increased the risk of a car accident or near car accident 1.3 times.
Cell phone use has become so popular these days that many times we do not realize how often we are utilizing our cell phones. Cell phone use while driving has increased so significantly within the last few years that, at any time during the day, as many as 10 percent of all drivers are using a hand-held or hands-free phone.
The researchers at Virginia Tech caution that a headset or Bluetooth cell phone is not necessarily safer than hand-held cell phone usage. Voice activated systems are, however, less risky if drivers need not take their eyes off the road or their hands off the steering wheel often or for long periods of time. Our car accident lawyers concur and we believe that an absolute cell phone ban while driving is safer and more practical for everyone on the road.