Statistics show that mobile devices significantly increase the incidence of distracted driving. 
With the popularity of mobile devices increasing exponentially, many Dallas law firms are seeing first-hand evidence of the dangers of using those mobile devices while driving. Cellphones, smartphones, iPods and iPads offer an easy way to keep in touch with others; they also entertain us while we’re travelling and even keep us on the right path with GPS programs and maps. However, statistics show that mobile devices significantly increase the incidence of distracted driving. Dangerous Statistics According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 18 percent of all fatal crashes in 2010 were related to driver distraction. Even more alarming is that 40 percent of American teens say that they have been in a car when the driver was using a mobile phone in a dangerous manner (including texting), and that 11 percent of drivers age 18 to 20 who had been involved in accidents admitted they were either sending or receiving texts, according to the FCC. For these reasons, it’s important to understand the dangers of texting while driving, according to Dallas law firms. Car and Driver Simulation Car and Driver magazine conducted an experiment in June 2009 to determine the accuracy of data found in academic studies regarding the dangers of texting and driving. Because many of the academic studies used vehicle simulators, Car and Driver decided to use an airport taxiway and actual vehicles to test not only how dangerous distracted driving was, but to compare whether texting while driving was as dangerous as drinking and driving. Using a Honda Pilot with a red light in the dash that the passenger in the vehicle would turn on when the driver was to brake, both drivers were tested at 35 and 70 miles per hour as a baseline. For the drinking and driving simulation, the drivers were given enough alcohol to reach the 0.08 blood alcohol content limit. One test subject’s reaction time dropped from 0.45 seconds to 0.57 seconds while reading a text. However, his reaction time while impaired was 0.46 seconds, which was almost the same as his baseline. Another subject, who was older, began with a baseline of 0.57 seconds, and while texting, dropped to 1.44 seconds, while the time dropped to just 0.64 seconds after drinking. This information explains why Dallas law firms are focusing on the dangers of texting and driving. How to Protect Your Family Because teens are more likely to text and drive than older adults, the FCC recommends giving teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their mobile devices while driving. In addition, parents must lead by example, as children who see their parents texting and driving are more likely to do so themselves. Become informed and active when it comes to spreading the word about texting and distracted driving. Using these simple tips could help keep your family from visiting a Dallas law firm to obtain information on defending you or a loved one after a distracted driver incident. Frenkel & Frenkel, some of the best car accident attorneys in Dallas, are here for you if you have been injured due someone else’s texting and driving negligence. Call this Dallas law firm if you have been the victim of an accident caused by texting and driving.
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