Talking While Driving – The Distraction of Talking on a Cell Phone While Driving

Do you drive while talking on your cell phone? It is not illegal in Florida which makes it safe, right? Fourteen states have banned using a hand held devise while operating a motor vehicle. A total of thirty-eight states have banned novice drivers, such as those below the age of eighteen or holders of a learner’s permit, from using a hand held device while operating a motor vehicle. In my opinion, Florida is behind the curve and will ultimately follow the rest of the country and, at the very least, limit the use of hand held devices while driving a car.

After reading the statistics, I believe most people would support Florida in this endeavor. The statistics are downright scary, especially when you consider the proliferation of bluetooth devices and cars that are equipped with bluetooth. The following statistics were based upon the most recent data available:

1. Drivers who are talking on a hand held device are 4 TIMES more likely to be in an automobile accident;
2. Talking on a cell phone decreases your reaction time. It causes a twenty year old to have the reaction times of a seventy-five year old;
3. Looking for and answering a call can take your eyes off the road for up to 5 SECONDS. Your car can have travelled more than a football field in the same amount of time;
4. Teens using a hand held device while driving are 4 TIMES more likely to be involved in a traffic than adults who are using a cell phone while driving;
5. Teens riding with other teens are 5 TIMES as likely to be in a fatal car accident.

The injuries sustained by people involved in an accident in which the other driver was distracted or talking on a cell phone can be significant and commonly include the following:

1. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries;
2. Fractured or broken bones;
3. Spinal cord damage;
4. Neck and back injuries; and
5. Lacerations and contusions which may have been caused by either the air bags or contact with the actual components of the vehicle.

Have you been involved in an auto accident which you believe might not be your fault because the other driver was distracted or talking on a cell phone? Contact an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at Jones Law Group today.