For years, texting while driving has been a problem on U.S. roadways. A recent study by Zendrive, a San Francisco startup that tracks phone use for car insurance companies, found that despite bans on phone use while driving, more drivers are now using their phones for longer periods of time.
If you sustain an injury in an accident caused by a motorist texting while driving, it is a good idea to reach out to a Houston car accident lawyer at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. for help.
To speak with a skilled lawyer about recovering damages for your accident, contact us at (281) 283-8500 to schedule a free consultation.
An Overview of Zendrive’s Texting While Driving Study
Zendrive technology monitored 4.5 million drivers who traveled 7.1 billion miles from December 2017 to February 2018. They compared these results to last year’s and discovered that approximately two out of every three drivers used a mobile device at least once.
The average time spent using a phone was approximately four minutes for these drivers, marking a five percent increase from last year. Jonathan Matus, the founder of Zendrive, explains that there are many young drivers on the road who are addicted to their smartphones and contribute to the texting while driving epidemic in the U.S.
According to Zendrive, phone use increases around 4 p.m. when three out of four drivers look at their mobile device to simultaneously beat traffic and finish work. Even though phone use decreases steadily throughout the evening, Zendrive discovered that the drivers who use their phones right before midnight are the ones that stay on them for more than four minutes at a time.
Zendrive also found that drivers with iPhones spend more time on their phones while behind the wheel than those with Android devices.
Texting and Driving Laws are Not Enough
Zendrive’s findings are particularly alarming because numerous laws have been implemented across the United States to prevent phone use while driving.
In fact, phone use was more frequent in states, such as California, Oregon, and Washington where only the hands-free use of phones are permitted. Zendrive’s study revealed that Vermont was the only state where drivers use their phones less.
Dangers of Texting While Driving
Texting while driving can make it easy for a driver to lack focus on the road and even lose control of their vehicle. Drivers who engage in phone use not only put themselves at risk but also create a hazardous situation for other motorists.
To significantly reduce accident risk, drivers should refrain from phone use and other distractions while behind the wheel. If they are tempted to use their phone, they should download an app that prevents texting while driving or store their phone in an out of reach area.
Call a Houston Car Accident Lawyer at The Krist Law Firm, P.C.
If you are hurt in an accident that was caused by a driver who was on their phone, you may be able to collect compensation. You should contact The Krist Law Firm, P.C. right away for help determining liability in your case. We can ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact us today at (281) 283-8500 to schedule a free case consultation.