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Distracted and inattentive driving are among the leading causes of automobile collisions in the U.S. Texting and driving statistics, in particular, suggest that road users suffer thousands of injuries and deaths due to multitasking behind the wheel.
Trends in Cell Phone Use While Driving
According to texting and driving statistics compiled by the U.S. government, the percentage of drivers in the U.S. using cell phones while driving showed a general decline, from 4.6% in 2013 to 2.1% in 2022. Despite a slight increase in 2018, the overall trend indicates reduced distracted driving due to this behavior.
This drop may suggest increased awareness by drivers of the dangers posed by cell use while driving. It might also indicate that stricter laws and safety campaigns have effectively reduced cell phone use behind the wheel.
However, when thinking about this significant decrease according to texting and driving statistics, you should keep two facts in mind. First, texting while driving leaves no physical evidence at the crash scene. As a result, even when officers suspect texting and driving, they often have no proof.
Second, many drivers still text while driving by using the voice recognition function on their smartphones. While hands-free texting is safer, it is not completely safe. A study found that the cognitive impairment from talking on a hands-free cell phone affected drivers as much as alcohol impairment.
Understanding the Risks
How much more likely are you to crash if you are texting while driving? Based on a study of truck drivers, those who text while driving are 23 times more likely to cause truck accidents than those who do not. This behavior splits a driver's focus, leading to delayed reactions and poor judgment, often with catastrophic outcomes, including injuries and fatalities.
Alarming Statistics
One of the most pressing questions surrounding texting and driving is: how many deaths are caused by texting and driving? The statistics are alarming, painting a grim picture of the consequences of this reckless behavior.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that distracted driving, including texting, leads to approximately nine deaths and over 1,000 injuries in car accidents every day in the United States alone. The NHTSA further reveals that in 2018, distracted driving was responsible for a staggering 2,841 fatalities. These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address this growing problem.
The data shows a fluctuating but generally stable trend in the number of deaths over the years, with occasional spikes. For instance, there was a noticeable increase in 2015 and again in 2021.
Legal and Financial Repercussions
Addressing the serious nature of texting while driving, various states and countries have implemented stringent laws. These laws serve as a deterrent by imposing penalties, which can range from fines to license suspension.
Texting and driving may also incur civil liability. Texting while driving could constitute negligence. As a result, the distracted driver and their insurer will be liable for any costs incurred by anyone injured in a crash. The losses could be significant, with the insurer paying settlements to victims.
Learn More About Texting and Driving From ConsumerShield
You may have the right to pursue injury compensation after a distracted driver hits you. ConsumerShield has educational resources and will connect you with a lawyer to handle your case. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
