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Safety research, studies and data reveal that the use of electronic devices for telecommunications (i.e. cell phone and text messaging) can readily distract drivers from the driving task.

According to NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine), when a driver is using a cell phone, the crash risk increases dramatically, as much as four times higher. There is no significant safety difference between hand-held and hands-free phones.

The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that the use of cell phones while driving plays a role in 1.6 million auto crashes each year, causing 500,000 injuries and 6,000 deaths.

What is being done to prevent cell phone/texting related crashes?

1. Enactment of laws

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, 14 states prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, and 20 states and the District of Columbia prohibit it for school bus drivers. Florida has no bans on cell phone use while driving. However, all states, except AZ, MO, MT, and TX ban text messaging for all drivers.

2. Education

AT&T has a distracted driving simulator that makes the consequences of using smartphones while driving very real. With the help of a Samsung virtual reality headset, the “It Can Wait” app takes participants along for the ride with a worst-case scenario simulation of distracted driving.

The simulator puts the participant in the driver’s seat, and he/she can look around, exploring the scene and sensing the impending dangers, but is helpless to get the driver to pay attention. Participants experience several close calls with the distracted driver before ultimately getting T-boned by an approaching car and dying.

According to research conducted by AT&T, seven in ten drivers engage in smartphone activities while driving. (Source: DelmarvaNow.com Jennifer Brannock Cox, Delmarva Media Group Correspondent)

3. Apps that block texting while driving

Cellcontrol

Designed for parents, Cellcontrol is a subscription-based service that features a device inserted under the dashboard and an accompanying app that blocks your teen from sending or receiving texts while driving. It also disables other phone features while the car is in motion, such as using email or accessing the camera. You’ll get a text or e-mail alert if Cellcontrol is deactivated or removed. (for Android™ and iOS)

Drive Safe Mode

Also designed with parents in mind, this app prevents texting and emailing while driving. It can notify a parent or guardian when the phone is in use and if the driver shuts off the app while on the road. Signup takes only a few minutes. (for Android and iOS)

Live2Txt

Live2Txt is an app that lets you block incoming texts and calls while driving. Turn the app on when you get behind the wheel, and you’ll silence your smartphone from incoming notifications, texts and calls. When you receive a message, the app will alert the sender with a customized message that you’re unable to respond at the moment. (for Android)

Safetextingcampaign.com says that driving while distracted is a factor in 25 percent of police reported crashes, and costs society about $230 billion a year.

“Being involved in an accident because of cell phone use is preventable. However, should it happen, and you or a loved one is involved, contact the experienced team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” reminds Randall Spivey, Charlotte County Vehicle Accident Attorney.

Charlotte County Vehicle Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.