Talking or texting on a cellphone while driving poses a very real danger that can lead to the injury or death of other motorists or pedestrians.
Unfortunately, many drivers on the road do not realize the risks associated with distracted driving and this problem is becoming more problem. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have even gone so far as to call distracted driving an epidemic in the United States.
In 2010, more than 3,000 people were killed in accidents involving a distracted driver, while an estimated 416,000 people were hurt. 18% of injury-causing traffic accidents were attributed to a distracted driver, which rivals that of drunk driving accidents.
While many experts have called texting and driving as dangerous as drinking and driving, public perception is still behind the reality and distracted driving does not have the same social stigma. If you were injured because a driver was distracted by a cellphone or anything else, contact 844 See Mike, as soon as possible. We will help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when the driver is focused on anything other than driving, which increases the risk of error or an accident. Research has found that drivers who are using a cell phone are four times as likely to be involved in an accident, and that texting while driving can have a similar impact on someone’s driving ability as being intoxicated.
While cell phone use is the most cited example of distracted driving, there are many sources of distraction, including:
- Texting
- Eating or drinking
- An object, person or event outside of the vehicle, such as an accident scene or an animal
- Adjusting a GPS device or radio
- Another occupant in the vehicle, such as talking or arguing with someone or helping a child
- Lighting, smoking, or dropping a cigarette
- Reaching for an object in the vehicle
- Adjusting mirrors or lights in the vehicle
- Inattentive thought
- Distraction from a medical condition, fatigue or looking at a map or sign
Who Are Distracted Drivers?
Research has found that more than 50% of all U.S. drivers have reported using a cell phone in the last 30 days, and one in seven admit to texting while driving. Almost half of all 16- to 24-year-olds admit to texting while driving, while 67% of 25- to 34-year-old drivers talk on their phones while driving.
Illinois Law Against Cell Phone Use While Driving
Illinois prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones while driving through a highway construction zone or school zone. Law also prohibits sending or viewing text messages and e-mails while driving anywhere in Illinois. Drivers under 19 are not allowed to use cell phones with or without a hands-free device, and several cities, including Chicago, prohibit hand-held cellphone use while driving anywhere.
Despite laws prohibiting cellphone use while driving and the clear dangers, every day drivers continue to use a cellphone while driving in Illinois. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.
We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an injury caused by a distracted driver. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-¬fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us—just the opportunity to seek justice.
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