There’s no question that distracted driving is causing accident stats to rise every year and the powers that be are doing what they can to curb the issue. States are passing laws about being on cell phones while driving, and parents can buy devices that prevent their teen’s phone from working while they’re driving.
One of the ways some people have tried to combat the issue is by investing in hands-free devices that allow them to talk on the phone while driving. Some of the more advanced options can give directions, read texts to you and send texts back, and answer simple questions the driver asks of them.
At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we’ve wondered: Are these hands-free devices really safer? Luckily, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety paired up with the University of Utah to study the issue and their findings were interesting, to say the least.
The leading devices aren’t any safer
The group study found that the most popular of the voice controlled info and entertainment systems aren’t safer than handheld options. They used a scale of between one and four, where any number above two means that the chances for an accident increase. In the study, every one of the thirteen systems scored at least a two if not higher.
In fact, ten of the thirteen systems were rated three or over and were found to distract drivers for about 30 seconds. Does this sound startling? Think about it this way: Would you feel safe driving down the street for 30 seconds with your eyes closed? That is essentially what’s happening if you’re using a voice controlled system while you’re driving.
Simple ways to prevent distracted driving
The easiest way to prevent distracted driving is to make sure that you choose your playlist or your radio station before you start driving. Get your GPS set up to speak before you take off. Turn off all notifications for your phone so that you don’t hear them and think, “I’ll just take a second to check it.” Don’t eat or drink while you’re driving.
This may seem like a drastic list of things to change but think of it this way: Being distracted for just a moment can lead to an auto accident and that accident could lead to much more than just minor property damage. It could lead to a catastrophic injury or even death.
Have you been injured due to someone else’s distracted driving?
Have you been in an accident in which the at-fault party was distracted while driving? If so, you may have a case for compensation by filing a personal injury case. There’s no risk to you to find out – just call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free case evaluation. If we take your case, and you decide to work with us, your case will be on a contingency basis, which means you won’t owe us a penny until you win your case.
