JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

There are public service announcements and television ads that constantly warn drivers of the dangers of using cell phones while driving. As of March 8, 2012, Pennsylvania drivers have been banned from texting while driving. As of right now, Pennsylvania does not have a ban on using hand held devices while driving. While driving laws are enacted at the state level, it is always a good idea to know the facts about driving and cell phone use.

Statistics on Driving While Texting

• In 2011 at least 23% (or 1.3 million) of all vehicle accidents happened because of cell phones.
• When you drive and text you are distracted for at least five seconds. That means you drive the entire length of a football at 55 miles per hour without looking at the road.
• You are 2.8 times more likely of getting into an accident when you are dialing a number.
• When you are talking or listening to somebody else on the phone you are 1.3 times more likely to get into an accident.
• Even reaching for your phone you increase the likelihood of an accident by 1.4 times.
• If you text while driving you are 23 times more likely to get into an accident.

Even with all the statistics on how using mobile devises greatly increases the risks of accidents, many Americans confess to using their cell phones while driving. Drivers come up with excuses about how they safely text and drive by increasing following distance and holding the phone up for better visibility. The reality is cell phones can be dangerous while driving.

There have been laws enacted that attempt to help decrease the number of vehicle accidents while driving:

• Ten states and D.C. have banned drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving.
• Thirty-two states and D.C. have laws that ban novice drivers from using cell phones.
• Thirty-nine states and D.C. prohibit all drivers from texting while driving.

Driving while using cell phones is dangerous and leads to higher vehicular accident rates. If you were hurt in an auto accident in Philadelphia that involved the use of cell phones, you should hire an attorney to help. Call the motor vehicle accident attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C., for their expertise in Pennsylvania driving laws. Call us today at 888-807-WORK to schedule a free case evaluation.