Distracted driving is an epidemic. Hundreds of people are killed every year because drivers are trying to text, browse the web, talk on the phone or check their e-mail instead of focusing on the road. Automakers are enabling this kind of “multitasking” by installing technology in cars that allows us to make phone calls, dictate texts and emails and update our social media accounts while driving. All of these activities are proven to increase the risk of getting in a car accident.

To combat this dangerous phenomenon, the National Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are observing National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April. Some key issues these organizations seek to draw attention to include:

• Infotainment systems: More than half of all drivers believe that hands-free devices must be safe because they are built into our vehicles. However, they are proven to increase mental distraction. More than thirty studies have shown that these devices do not make drivers any safer—our brains are still distracted by engaging with the infotainment systems in our cars.
• Hands-free is not risk free: Hands-free systems include earpieces, dashboard systems and speakerphone. Twenty-six percent of all car crashes involve cell phones – including hands-free sets. Drivers looking out their front windshield can miss up to 50 percent of activity surrounding them when distracted by conversation on a hands-free cell phone. Drivers are reminded to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel and their mind on driving. Hands-free conversations are not the same as talking to another passenger in the car. Passengers are a second set of eyes that can point out driving hazards. Someone on the other end of your phone line cannot.
• Multitasking is a myth: When driving and talking on the phone at the same time, our brains “toggle” back and forth between these two cognitive activities. We aren’t able to focus on both activities at the same time. This can lead to accidents.
• Cell phone distracted driving accidents are severely underreported.
• The leading cause of workplace death is auto accidents: Cell phone distracted driving policies help employers keep employees safe. Many employers prohibit employees from using cell phones while driving.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger Represent People Injured by Distracted Drivers

If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver, the trusted Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation for your injuries. With offices located in Philadelphia, Reading, and Bethlehem, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us at 800-222-8792 or fill out our convenient online contact form to schedule a consultation.