U.S. drivers distracted by group chats, internet memes
Drivers in Louisiana and elsewhere know that they’re not supposed to use their cellphones while behind the wheel, but that doesn’t stop many of them from doing it. In fact, a new study finds that group chats and internet memes are some of the top cellphone distractions for drivers.
Early in 2019, Wakefield Research and Root Insurance teamed up to survey almost 2,000 U.S. drivers about their views on distracted driving. They found that a whopping 99 percent of drivers say that cellphones are among the top three driving distractions in the United States. Of the drivers who say they personally find cellphones distracting, 52 percent say that cellphone group chats are the most distracting for them, 33 percent say memes and other forms of social media are the most distracting and 18 percent say streaming videos are the most distracting.
The survey also found that U.S. drivers are hypocrites when it comes to distracted driving. For example, 89 percent of the survey’s participants say that they would give an Uber or Lyft driver a bad review for texting behind the wheel, but 39 percent say they personally text and drive. In addition, 90 percent of drivers think they have better driving skills than ride-share drivers.
Victims of distracted driving car accidents could suffer catastrophic injuries that make it difficult or impossible to work. In such cases, it may be advisable for the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property loss and other crash-related damages. An attorney familiar with auto accident injury claims might evaluate a victim’s case and help him or her obtain a fair financial settlement. Legal counsel may also prepare a wrongful death lawsuit if a victim is killed in a distracted driving crash.
Tags: Car Accidents
