Many people in New York know about the dangers of distracted driving, as public awareness campaigns have highlighted the devastating crashes caused by people surfing the internet or texting while driving. However, while many people are aware that driving while distracted can be dangerous, it continues to be a serious problem on the roads. As mobile workers are increasingly expected to be always connected and in touch with their workplaces, these frequent drivers are also a greater risk for driving while their attention is diverted by their phones.
One study by Motus said that the mobile workforce has shown growing rates of smartphone usage coupled with rising car accident numbers. In 2013, 55 percent of mobile workers owned smartphones, but by 2017, that figure had risen to 77 percent. At the same time, the number of accidents surged from 5.7 million crashes to 6.4 million over that period. These mobile workers are some of America’s most frequent drivers, taking 49 percent more trips than any other type of employee. In addition, the early afternoon hours – some of the busiest times for mobile workers on the road – are also the top time for distracted driving incidents.
According to the study, this means that on average, a mobile worker drives around 1,200 distracted miles annually. Distraction is not limited to mobile workers, however, From fiddling with the radio to eating, many things can divert a driver’s attention.
Accidents caused by negligent drivers can lead to serious injuries to occupants of other vehicles that require extensive medical treatment. People who have been harmed in such a manner might want to meet with a personal injury attorney to see if the filing of a lawsuit would be advisable if the offer from the at-fault motorist’s insurer is inadequate.