Cell phone car crashes have become a major concern on the roads, with increasing incidents reported across the United States. Florida, in particular, has witnessed a surge in distracted driving accidents, where the use of cell phones behind the wheel has proven to be a significant contributor to these accidents. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, talk to an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation.
According to the National Safety Council, “We know cell phone-related car crashes are a problem. We just don’t know how big the problem is. Unfortunately, no breathalyzer-like test exists for cell phone use behind the wheel and drivers in crashes are often reluctant to admit use. This creates a huge gap in the data.”
The Rising Numbers and Impact
According to recent data, Florida witnessed over 50,000 distracted driving accidents in the previous year alone, making it one of the states with the highest rates of distracted driving fatalities. Orange County, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for such accidents within the state. Shockingly, car accidents, including those caused by distracted driving, rank as the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. This demonstrates the urgent need to address this issue and take proactive measures to ensure road safety.
Distracted driving, including activities like calling, texting, scrolling, and even taking selfies, contributes to nearly 25% of all accidents. This alarming statistic translates to over 1,000 car accidents every day in Florida, with Orange County alone accounting for approximately 30,000 accidents annually. These accidents result in the loss of thousands of lives and leave more than 165,000 people injured each year in Florida.
The Rise of Distracted Driving Apps
Technological advancements have led to the creation of various mobile applications aimed at curbing distracted driving habits. One such app, “This App Saves Lives,” monitors cell phone usage while driving and rewards responsible drivers with points that can be redeemed for incentives like free milkshakes. This innovative approach seeks to break the habit of distracted driving by providing positive reinforcement.
Intelligent Driver Safety Systems and Cell Phone Car Crashes
To combat distracted driving, a Silicon Valley startup has developed an “intelligent” driver safety system. Initially intended for commercial truck fleets, this system utilizes cameras and sensors to detect when drivers are not paying attention to the road. If the system detects such behavior, it emits a series of beeps to alert and coach the driver to keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel. This proactive approach aims to train drivers to develop safe driving habits while minimizing distractions to reduce cell phone car crashes.
Teenagers and Distracted Driving
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to cell phone car crashes, making it crucial to address this issue within this demographic. Currently, Florida’s texting while driving law imposes a $30 fine, but it is widely acknowledged that this alone is not a significant deterrent. Although using cell phones while driving is permitted in most instances, except in school zones or construction zones, the law fails to adequately address the dangers of distracted driving. Safety advocates argue that Florida’s relatively lax distracted driving laws contribute to the state’s low ratings in terms of road safety.
Seeking Legal Assistance After a Cell Phone Car Crash
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, talk to an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation. We have been helping accident victims in Central Florida recover losses for more than 35 years. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
