Drivers may run into problems concentrating on the road. While many might snap back into focus, others could allow their distractions to cause an accident. Florida has its share of drivers who embrace troubling behaviors on the road, such as texting, calling or reviewing voicemails. Yes, smartphone use remains a dangerous distraction for drivers. People continue to use their smartphones and apps despite significant publicity about the dangers.
Smartphones and distracted driving
Two credible studies, one conducted by State Farm insurance and one run by AAA, revealed significant numbers of drivers read emails while operating a vehicle. With hands, eyes, and attention taken away from the car and road, drivers unnecessarily put themselves and others in enormous danger. While most drivers wouldn’t do such a thing, enough drivers embrace such behavior and could cause potentially fatal accidents.
Many people use their smartphones compulsively, and they can’t wait until they stop driving to use them. Texting and reading emails aren’t the only risky uses of a smartphone. Even using the device to access GPS instructions is dangerous. And those dangers don’t go away when engaging a hands-free feature either.
Distractions and liabilities
Smartphone use isn’t the only path to distracted driving, but it is highly prevalent. Other behaviors are just as bad, and they predate texting-and-driving by decades. Namely, eating or drinking while driving could cause enough of a concentration lapse to cause motor vehicle accidents.
Engaging in unnecessary, distracting behaviors could support any negligence claims after an accident. Drivers who don’t make safety a top priority might be liable for any harm they cause. A driver may rely on an insurance policy to protect from financial devastation, but the damages could be beyond the policy’s limits.