Most drivers have smartphones, which means that each individual travels from place to place with a device that can cause distraction in a number of different ways. Many people lack the ability to avoid using their phones while driving, and distraction has now become a serious safety concern in Alabama and across the country. Some believe that smartphone addiction is the source of an ongoing epidemic that affects everyone.
The number of motor vehicle accident fatalities is increasing across the country, with approximately 46,000 occurring in 2022. There are many factors that contribute to this troubling trend, including an increasing problem of speeding, reckless driving and more. However, many point fingers at a reliance on smart devices, an issue that is sure to be an ongoing problem unless laws change.
Serious safety threats to all motorists
Experts say that the issue of distracted driving is much more serious than the data suggests. Several groups, such as the National Distracted Driving Coalition, are working to make accident data more accurate and improve ways to monitor the true impact of distracted driving. By doing this, they hope that automakers, lawmakers and others will take steps to make the roads safer for everyone. At this point, lawmakers in many states have been reluctant to tighten laws regarding distracted driving.
This reluctance is not surprising if the data does not reflect the true severity of the issue. Current figures suggest that distracted driving is the reason for approximately 3,100 deaths last year, but the true numbers are likely higher. One factor that may affect numbers is that it is often difficult to accurately assess what a driver was doing before a crash. It can be impossible to prove that the person involved was a distracted driver, especially because it is now possible to use a phone without holding it in one’s hand.
Are you the victim of a distracted driving accident?
If you are the victim of a distracted driving accident, you have legal options available to you. While it may seem difficult to prove, you may be able to validate your claim that the negligence of another driver is the reason for your pain and suffering. These cases can be complex, and they are time sensitive. You will benefit from seeking guidance regarding your legal options as soon as possible after a motor vehicle collision.
