Car Accidents Related to Cell Phones

The use of cell phones for communication is so widespread that it has become an essential item to carry 24/7. Individuals carry cell phones no matter where they go. As a result, even drivers are too often distracted by cell phone calls, texting or emailing while driving.

As a Chicago car accident attorney, I cannot argue that driving a motor vehicle requires full attention. The National Safety Council (NSC) has estimated at least 1.6 million car crashes occur each year because drivers are using cell phones and texting. One report says that 28% of all traffic accidents are caused by cell phone use. In fact the NSC says that there is about one car accident involving drivers using cell phones or texting every 24 seconds. So far, in 2013 there have been 97,000 car accidents related to cell phone use or texting in the United States. With an estimated 3,000 fatal accidents involving distracted drivers every year, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA), in 2011, strongly urged a national ban on cell phone use while driving.

The vast majority of those involved in cell phone related accidents are the young. In fact, for individuals over 65 years old, the rate of car accidents associated with cell phone use is very low.

Increasingly, states and municipalities have enacted laws that prohibit the use of cell phones for either receiving or making calls or texting. For example, California, Connecticut, Maryland and New York and others have enacted laws banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Twenty-nine states, including Washington, D.C., have banned the use of cell phones to text message while driving. In Illinois, driving while using a cell phone or texting is one of the most common causes of serious or deadly car accidents. While some cities in Illinois have banned the use of cell phones and texting while driving, drivers continue to be distracted by cell phones.

Since most of us carry cell phones at all times, use of the cell phone when the car is moving should be avoided. Don’t use the cell phone in bad weather. At least keep the cell phone close at hand if you must have it while driving. Use the cell phone sparingly and use a device that allows you to keep both hands on the wheel. Most importantly, acknowledge your state and local laws and drive safely. Driving and texting is not allowed in most communities and states. There is a ban on texting and driving in Illinois. For more information, one should contact the Illinois Division of Traffic Safety, http://trafficsafety.illinois.gov/default.aspx.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident, please call our law firm for an immediate free consultation. With our years of experience in litigating and settling auto accident cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our many clients and achieves unsurpassed results. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online.