Distracted driving is becoming an increasingly worrisome problem in Florida and across the U.S. While many people who are concerned about a crash due to a distracted driver feel that way due to anecdotal evidence of having seen it happen, studies are conducted to determine just how prevalent the problem is. One recent study has shown that Florida is the second worst state for people using their smartphones while driving behind Louisiana. For those who have been in an accident or suffered the loss of a loved one in a fatal car crash and believe it was due to a driver who was texting or otherwise using their smartphone while behind the wheel, this information can be essential to pursuing compensation in a legal filing.
Shockingly, 92 percent of drivers in the U.S. have performed one action or another on their smartphone while driving. This information is from an app that was designed to track driver activities. The company, EverQuote, Inc. and its director of communications expresses shock at how common it is for drivers to pay attention to their smartphones while driving. They do this blissfully unaware of how truly risky it is to themselves and others on the road.
The app collected information for 230 million miles driven on 2.7 trips. Recorded were various actions taken by drivers such as braking urgently, driving at excessive speeds, accelerating rapidly and making hard turns. Part of the problem in Florida is that law enforcement will not issue a citation for texting and driving unless they have pulled them over for another reason like speeding. Hands-free devices were not counted in the study; it focused on drivers who had the device in their hands.
Considering these numbers, those who have lost a loved one in a fatal car crash should be cognizant of the legitimate possibility that it came about because of the other driver being distracted. The only way to determine whether this happened is for there to be a full investigation and evidence accrued. A lawyer who is experienced in wrongful death cases can help to look into the case and take the next step toward being compensated for the lost wages, lost companionship and more that comes from the untimely fatal accident.
Source: palmbeachpost.com, “Study: 92% use phone in moving cars, Florida next-to-worst state,” Charles Elmore, April 14, 2017
