In February, the South Florida Sun Sentinel published a report in which it concluded that, “an analysis of 3 million crashes [indicates] that collisions typical of texting and driving are increasing at a staggering rate.” The report examined five types of accidents that are commonly associated with distracted driving, and found that the rates of certain types of accidents had increased by as much as 47 to 50 percent between 2013 and 2016.

Auto Accidents Typical of Texting and Driving

The report compiled data on types of driver error as well as the nature of vehicle collisions. According to the data, sideswipe accidents involving cars traveling in the same direction increased by 40 percent during the four-year study period, while rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and collisions at angles all increased by approximately 26 percent. These rates correlate to the significant increases in distracted-related driving errors. According to the report:

  • Accidents resulting from drivers’ failure to stay in their lane increased by 50 percent.
  • Accidents resulting from running stop signs increased by 48 percent.
  • Accidents resulting from improper passing increased by 47 percent.
  • Accidents resulting from disregarding road markings increased by 34 percent.
  • Accidents resulting from failure to yield increased by 29 percent.

Drivers Admit to All Types of Phone-Related Driving Distractions

The Sun Sentinel also reported on the results of a study conducted by State Farm, in which the insurance company asked drivers whether they engaged in distracted driving behaviors. As reported by the Sun Sentinel:

  • More than 50 percent of drivers who had been involved in an accident admitted to talking on a handheld phone. More than 40 percent who had not been involved in an accident admitted to talking on a handheld phone.
  • More than 50 percent of all drivers admitted to talking hands-free behind the wheel.
  • Approximately 33 percent of all drivers admitted to texting behind the wheel.
  • At least 20 percent of all drivers also admitted to accessing the Internet, using social media, reading and responding to emails, and taking photos while driving.
  • More than 10 percent of all drivers admitted to playing games on their phones while driving.

Looking at these statistics, it is not hard to see why distracted driving has become a leading cause of car accidents in recent years.  Drivers who are distracted are, by definition, not paying full attention to the road, and they are far more likely (up to 12 times, according to the Sun Sentinel) to cause vehicle collisions. Distracted drivers are less able to identify potential hazards, and they are less able to quickly respond when faced with circumstances that are likely to result in an accident. As a result, distracted drivers will often be at fault in crashes in which they are involved, and those who are injured by distracted drivers’ negligence deserve to recover just compensation.

Speak With a Crestview Auto Accident Attorney for Free

If you were injured in an accident that you suspect may have been the result of distracted driving, we want to hear from you. We provide aggressive legal representation for auto accident victims in the Crestview area, and we are passionate about aiding in the fight against distracted driving. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please call (850) 682-2757 or tell us about your accident online now.