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Preventable Deaths: Cell Phone Use and Distracted Drivers



Lexington Personal Injury | Kentucky Motor Vehicle Attorney |

Without question, over the past decade we have seen an explosion of people using cell phones. The mobile phone industry saw an increase of 23 million subscribers from 2003-2004 and it has continued to grow exponentially since that time. In fact, it is estimated that there are over 180 million subscribers in the United States.

In line with the overall industry growth, we have similarly observed increases in the number of drivers who use cell phones while driving. As a result, we now have our roadways polluted with distracted drivers who mindless talk on their cell phones without concern for the safety of others on the highway. This behavior has created a mine field of potential hazards.

In 2002, researchers in the United Kingdom conducted a study that compared the effects of talking on a cell phone while driving to the impairment shown in intoxicated drivers. The researchers tested 20 experienced drivers in a driving simulator, dividing them into four groups: drivers using a handheld cell phone, drivers using a hands-free cell phone device, intoxicated drivers using no cell phone device and drivers who were not using a cell phone (control group).

The results of the United Kingdom study showed significantly poorer driving performance-including speed control, warning detection, and response-when using a handheld cell phone compared to other conditions. The researchers found that reaction times were significantly slower in drivers using cell phones than in those impaired by alcohol. The primary problem caused by driving while using a cell phone is the greater likelihood of missing warning signs, which helps explain why drivers distracted by a cell phone are more likely to be involved in a collision.

Until more restrictive legislation is passed by federal and state governments, we will continue to lose innocent lives on our highways. Clearly, the evidence is abundant that use of cell phones increases risks of collisions. At Hurt, Crosbie and May, it is our belief that we owe it to our injured clients to present these statistics to insurance companies and, if necessary, juries when demanding full compensation for this negligent and dangerous behavior. A driver's conversation should never be more important than the safety of citizens using our roads.




Hurt, Crosbie & May serves clients in Kentucky, including the following areas:
Cities: Lexington, Nicholasville, Georgetown, Richmond, Winchester, Louisville, Frankfort, Lawrenceburg, Cynthiana, Mt. Sterling, Versailles, Paris, Stanton, Harrodsburg, Clay City, Wilmore, Berea.

Counties: Fayette, Jessamine, Scott, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Woodford, Shelby, Anderson, Clark, Mercer, Powell, Garrard, Bourbon, Montgomery, Spencer, Estill.

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