Indiana Traffic Collisions and Rise of the Smartphone

According to a new study from the FocusDriven and National Coalition for Safer Roads has found that more than 10 percent of red-light violations are the result of distracted driving.According to Auto Blog, the study looked at close to 120 intersections in about 20 communities during a three-month period and paid particular attention to those who ran red lights. The results of this study helped to prove that U.S. drivers are spending far too much time on smartphones and they’re increasing their risks for an accident because of it. Researchers even took it a step further and estimated that distracted driving was the cause of close to 7.5 million red light infractions each and every year.

Our Highland car accident lawyers understand that red-light running is one of the top causes for auto collisions in urban areas. When you factor in that cell-phone use alone is a factor in more than 20 percent of all accidents, it’s easy to see why we’re concerned.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), only drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone behind the wheel. On the other hand, all drivers are banned from text messaging at the wheel. With most drivers allowed to talk on the phone behind the wheel, it’s no secret as to why distracted driving problems are a focus here in the state of Indiana.

Still don’t think it’s a serious problem? Consider this: NBC News reports that close to 60 percent of American adults are now using a smart phone. That’s up from about 35 percent just two years ago.

What’s even worse is that 9 out of 10 Americans have a cell phone of some kind. And that means that 9 out of 10 drivers have them, meaning there are more out there to be used behind the wheel. In just 2011, there was more than 15 percent of Americans who didn’t even have a cell phone. Now, only about 10 percent don’t have one.

And that’s probably why there are thousands killed in these kinds of accidents every year. Drivers just aren’t understanding the risks associated with distracted driving.

According to Distraction.gov, there were more than 3,330 people killed in distracted driving car accidents in the U.S. in 2011. That’s a number that continues to grow. And in addition to those fatalities, there were another 400,000 people injured in these same kinds of accidents.

In the month of June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the US, up nearly 50% from June 2009.

It’s really quite simple to understand — if you take your eyes and your attention off of the roadways, you’re going to increase your risks for an accident. more Attorney Burton A. Padove represents auto accident victims. If you or a loved one has been injured, call (219) 836-2200 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. More Blog Entries: Indiana SUV Buyers Beware – Safety and Reliability are Not Always Priorities, Indiana Injury and Family Lawyer Blog, May 26, 2013 Are You Daydreaming Your Way into a Distracted Driving Crash, Indiana Injury and Family Lawyer Blog, April 10, 2013