Texting and driving is very dangerous because it significantly increases the odds of a car accident. A driver who is looking down at their phone or trying to type with one hand simply can’t react as well to the conditions around them on the road. They may lose control of their vehicle, rear-end another car, run a red light and more.
As a result, Florida has made texting and driving illegal. It is completely banned, following the example of many other states over the last few decades.
Even so, drivers continue to cause car accidents while using their devices. If there’s a clear danger and those drivers know they’re breaking the law, why do they keep doing it?
Phone addiction
One of the main reasons is that drivers are simply addicted to their phones. They’re so accustomed to being connected all the time that it’s hard for them to mentally disconnect. Even if they don’t actively choose to text and drive, they may quickly check their phone as soon as they get a notification.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that people use their phones for a variety of reasons in the car. A driver may want to take a picture of something interesting on the side of the road. They might use a music streaming service to listen to their favorite band. They could also be relying on their phone as a GPS device to help them reach their destination. These are just a few examples, but the wide range of uses means people are more likely to engage with their device—whether or not it’s legal to do so.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver? If so, be sure you understand the legal steps you can take to seek compensation.