More drivers are texting while behind the wheel
According to a study, drivers in Louisiana and around the country are talking on their cellphones less often while behind the wheel. However, they are increasingly using their cellphones to send texts and emails.
For the study, which was released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, researchers compared observational surveys conducted in 2014 with surveys conducted in 2018. The surveys monitored the phone activities of drivers stopped at red lights in four areas of Northern Virginia. The study found that drivers in 2018 were 57 percent more likely to be observed sending texts or emails with their cellphones than drivers in 2014 were.
One of the authors said that the findings show that drivers are using their cellphones in more dangerous ways. This is because multiple studies have found that texting or sending emails significantly increases the risk of getting into a car accident. For example, one study found that drivers were 66 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal crash when handling a cellphone. Based on that study, the IIHS estimates that over 800 Americans were killed in texting- or email-related traffic accidents in 2017 alone.
Occupants of other vehicles who are injured in car crashes caused by texting and driving have the right to sue the responsible driver in civil court. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, an injured victim may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. If someone is killed in a texting and driving car accident, his or her next of kin have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This type of suit could result in a settlement that covers funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and loss of companionship. Victims could have their case evaluated by contacting a personal injury attorney.
Tags: Car Accidents
