As Florida Injury Attorneys, we have focused much of our time on providing education and content on the dangers of texting and driving. Texting and driving accidents are on the rise and are well documented in the media.
If you own a cell phone, chances are you’re aware of text messaging—brief messages limited to 160 characters, which can be sent or received on a vast majority of mobile phones. According to CTIA, texting is on the rise, with the average teenager sending more than 3,000 texts each month. Undoubtedly, a large portion of such messages; are being sent by individuals operating an automobile. According to a recent survey, young drivers who engage in texting or talking on cell phones while driving believe it won’t happen to them – simply because they haven’t had a crash.
The process is routine-take out your wireless device and read the last text message you received. However, the question one must ask is: Would reading or responding to that text message from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle be worth the risk of getting into a car accident or worse? Most people fail to grasp the concept of how precious life is and that one brief second can change things forever. As I have stated in my prior blogs on the subject of texting and riving; the average motorist takes their eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds to retrieve and read a text message. A car going 30 miles per hour can travel the length of a football field in that amount of time. The idea that a car can travel that length while the driver is not looking at the road is downright scary.
For many, the allure to quickly read and respond, even from behind the wheel of a vehicle can be tempting. However, texting and driving is extremely dangerous, some may even classify the act as a death wish. The message we are trying to send is that the text message can certainly wait and is not worth the risk of injury or taking the life of another or even yourself in a tragic car accident. Due to the popularity of texting and driving and acceptance in pop culture, this act has never received the stigma that drinking and driving has. Keep in mind that texting and driving is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Many Florida Injury Attorneys are seeking punitive damages for their injured clients due to willful and reckless conduct exhibited by a defendant who texted while driving an automobile. The action of texting and driving can open you to personal exposure should you injure someone in an accident while operating your vehicle and engaged in such activity.
Currently, the state of Florida does not have a law prohibiting texting and driving, or the use of a cell phone while driving. Florida state records show that during the first ten months of 2011, electronic distraction led to 2,218 accidents with 145 of those linked specifically to texting and driving. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles claims cell phones are frequently cited as factors in serious accidents, but have not taken a position on hands-free legislation. The Florida Department of Transportation, however, has begun a “Stay Alive, Just Drive,” campaign as an attempt to target drivers who text, talk on cell phones or engage in other distracted driving behaviors. Dolman Law Group has focused on sponsoring events and providing literature concerning the dangers of texting and driving.
The distracted driving crisis with teens can be prevented with a few simple tips. First, provide clear instructions to teenagers to not use their wireless devices while driving. Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association believes the easiest way to say it is: “On the road, off the phone.” Even before new drivers receive their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cost themselves, or someone else injury or even death. Second, lead by example. Children learn from their parent’s behavior. Be an example for your children and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place. Lastly, be informed and be active. Set rules for yourself and your household regarding distracted driving. Tell family and friends about the importance of driving without distractions.
The Florida Injury Attorneys of the Dolman Law Group are committed to combatting the activity of texting and driving and distracted driving in general. If you have been injured as a result of an individual driving while texting, call Dolman Law Group today for a free case evaluation and consultation at: (727) 451-6900
Matthew A. Dolman, Esq., is a Florida Injury Attorney and limits his practice to serious bodily injury claims including traumatic brain injury, injuries to the spine, injuries as a result of texting and driving, injuries as a result of drunk driving, and wrongful death.
Dolman Law Group is a Clearwater Personal Injury Law Firm located in central Pinellas County. The Florida Injury Attorneys of the Dolman Law Group handle personal injury law only. Further, all clients are provided the cell phone number of their handling attorney. We pride ourselves on accessibility and the fact that we routinely litigate against a myriad of insurance carriers.
Matthew A. Dolman, Esq., Christian Myer, Esq., and Bryan C. Hannan, Esq., are your Florida Injury Attorneys.