Posted: July 9, 2021
July is National Cellphone Courtesy Month, encouraging all of us to consider our cellphone habits and usage. Nowhere is this more important than while driving.
Constantly looking at your phone while with others is rude. Texting or browsing while other things are happening is inattentive. But using a cellphone while you drive? That’s deadly for you and everyone else on the road.
What better time than National Cellphone Courtesy Month to reflect on this habit and make a solid commitment to never do it again?
The Scope of the Problem
The National Safety Council reports that one in four car accidents is caused by a texting driver. 1.6 million auto accidents every year are caused by drivers using cellphones, leading to more than 390,000 injuries and claiming over 3,000 lives annually.
Texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off of the road and has been found to increase crash risks 6x more than driving while drunk. Yet, texting is not the only problem. All cellphone use creates a danger – even hands-free cellphone use – making the best decision to silence your phone and keep it out of reach while behind the wheel.
Texting While Driving is Illegal
Texting while driving is illegal in New Jersey and all surrounding states. Some even ban the use of handheld devices entirely. But just because something is illegal doesn’t mean it’s not also common practice. The only thing you can do about this is refuse to join in.
This July, commit to zero device use while driving to help protect yourself and everyone else on the road.
Even Good Drivers Get Injured
Attentive drivers who do not use their cellphones while operating a vehicle are not immune from accidents caused by those who do. When you are the victim of someone else’s negligence, you have every right to hold them accountable and seek compensation for your damages. If you or someone you love has been injured by a driver who was using a cellphone – even if their usage was not illegal – you may be entitled to significant compensation. Call our office at 732-617-8050 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
