The Prevalence of Texting and Driving Accidents in the U.S.
Texting while driving is one of the most deadly forms of distracted driving. Although it’s widely reported that texting and driving is one of the top causes of car accidents, Missouri does not have a complete ban on this particular distracted driving behavior. Here are some surprising facts.
What Studies Are Saying About Cell Phone Use While Driving
A 2017 study on more than 3 million motorists by Zendrive concluded that motorists are on their phones for about 88% of their trips — and of these trips, the average phone use was 3.5 minutes per hour of driving.
According to theNational Safety Council (NSC), the full extent of the fatal results of texting while driving remains underreported because there are three kinds of knowledge about these cases. Knowledge of texting while driving auto-accidents are either: known, suspected, or unknown. For example, if a fatal auto accident involved only one vehicle, then the exact reason for the crash may not be determined. But sometimes texting while driving can be suspected as the cause. It can only be known that it was the cause if there is evidence or a confession.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, In 2019, 3,142 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, which includes texting/talking while driving, grooming while driving, looking at attractions on the side of the road, and tending to other passengers in the vehicle.
Is Using a Hands-Free Device Safer?
The NSC also reminds drivers that talking on handheld or hands-free devices is NOT the answer to avoiding distracted driving and it is unsafe. Drivers talking on the phone while driving fail to see 50% of their surroundings. The brain is still distracted by being engaged in conversation.
To stay safe and avoid a distracted driving accident keep your:
- Eyes on the road
- Hands on the wheel
- Mind on driving
Injured in a Car Crash? Meyerkord & Kurth Can Help.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident by a distracted driver, be sure to seek expert legal assistance from the Saint Louis, personal injury attorneys of With over a century of combined legal experience, our attorneys will know exactly how to handle your case for justice to be established.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, contactMeyerkord & Kurth today.