Cellphone addiction is a very real phenomenon that affects drivers across the United States. If using a phone interferes with someone’s daily activities or the tasks they are trying to complete, this is a sign of trouble. In this sense, a driver who gets distracted by their phone when they should be focusing on the road could be dealing with addiction issues.
Another common symptom is a level of anxiety if one’s phone is not on or is not within reach. It is easy enough for drivers to avoid cellphone distraction simply by keeping their phone in their pocket or turning it off during the drive. But the anxiety this creates is often too much for an addicted driver to overcome, so they keep their phone on and in their hand.
Does this contribute to accident rates?
Yes, there is a very good chance that cellphone addiction does lead to car accidents. After all, many distracted drivers do not have any intention of becoming distracted when they get behind the wheel. But if someone hears their phone chime or feels it buzz in their pocket, it becomes nearly impossible for them to ignore the notification.
Some drivers do try to get around distraction by doing things like checking their phone at a red light. But even this is problematic, as the cognitive distraction of using a phone lasts for 27 seconds, even after a person puts their phone down. Cellphone addiction is still affecting that driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely even when their device is not in their hand.
Do you deserve financial compensation?
Have you been injured in an accident caused by another driver who was distracted by their phone? If so, you may deserve significant compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and more.