Distracted driving has become a major menace on the road these days. While it may have always been somewhat of a problem, the advent of the mobile phone has made the problem worse than ever before.
Exactly what are drivers doing with their phones these days when they should be focusing on the road instead?
According to a recent study, Google Maps is the number one app being pulled up on drivers’ phones while they’re on the road. That’s probably an understandable use of the device, although drivers would be far safer if they remember to activate their device before they get into traffic or get lost and use a hands-free mount that lets them listen to the directions coming from the app. If used properly, the map-reading app can keep drivers from getting into an accident because they’re confused about their location or unsure where they should turn on an unfamiliar stretch of road.
However, drivers may have a much harder time justifying the other apps they’re using on the road:
- Pokemon Go
- Google Chrome
- Messenger
- YouTube
- Amazon Music
- Pandora
- Waze
- Netflix
Keep in mind that these are apps being used by drivers — not passengers.
While a lot of other drivers may be shocked to think that someone else sharing the same road with them during the morning commute is watching an episode of Rick and Morty while driving, insurance company representatives and personal injury attorneys aren’t actually surprised.
They also say that they aren’t surprised when drivers lie about their cellphone usage after an accident does happen — people know that playing Pokemon Go in traffic isn’t safe and that it’s hard to deny being distracted if you were trying to catch a Weedle at the red light.
Fortunately for victims of distracted drivers, it’s quite possible for a personal injury attorney to uncover the evidence necessary to show a jury that distracted driving was behind an accident. Cellphones can be scrubbed clean pretty easily — but the records kept by cellphone providers aren’t as easy to delete. A subpoena can provide powerful evidence in support of your case.
If you’ve been injured by someone who was paying more attention to his or her cellphone than he or she was to the road, an attorney familiar with distracted driving cases can provide more information on your legal options.
Source: www.boston.com, “You won’t believe the apps used by distracted drivers: Netflix? YouTube?,” Thomas Gnau, Sep. 26, 2017