A report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that California drivers are not as likely to talk on their phones while behind the wheel as they once were. However, they are more likely to be using their phones in other distracting ways. The study compared data gathered during observational surveys in 2014 and 2018. Researchers watched drivers at stoplights or while driving by and noted how many were using their phones. They also gathered information on how the phones were being used.
Researchers found that distracted driving occurred at nearly the same over the two years that were examined. The types of distracted driving changed, however, as fewer motorists were observed talking on their phones and more drivers were observed using their phones to perform other tasks, such as texting or browsing the internet.
The IIHS report pointed out the dangers of using a cellphone while driving. It noted that drivers typically take their eyes off the road to send text messages, input phone numbers, browse the web or use apps. The risk of a car accident fatality is increased by 66% when the driver is using a phone at the time. The IIHS estimated that drivers using their phones for tasks other than talking caused more than 800 crash fatalities during 2017 alone.
Someone who has been hurt in a car crash might want to schedule a consultation with a lawyer. An attorney who practices personal injury law could potentially help by examining the facts of the case and identifying parties who may have liability. After gathering and organizing medical records and other evidence, legal counsel might be able to negotiate a settlement payout with the applicable insurance company.