MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of traffic fatalities that occurred last year represent the highest increase in fatalities in 50 years. Researchers who have been troubled by the recent jump in auto deaths have suggested that our use of mobile Apps could be to blame for the increase in accident fatalities.
According to the New York Times, Apps designed to keep drivers focused on the road and their hands on the wheel may actually be contributing to the increase in highway deaths. Wi-Fi on phones and new hands-free apps have led to an increase of Internet use inside vehicles. Other apps allow drivers to dictate texts as they drive and call hands-free. While these apps allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, they may be encouraging drivers to use their phones, and may actually be distracting drivers. Making phone calls and responding to texts, even if a driver isn’t looking down, is still a form of distracted driving that takes a driver’s attention off the road.
The Times noted several lawsuits based on Snapchat use, where drivers were exceeding speed limits in order to use an application that recorded the vehicle’s speed. In one case, a Snapchat user was travelling 115 miles per hour and in another case, a Snapchat user was driving at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.
If recent lawsuits are any indication, drivers who use apps recklessly will be held legally responsible for their actions. Drivers who hurt others due to their distracted use of applications could face personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits for their actions. Teen use of cell phones and online applications can be particularly deadly. Parents with teens could be held financially responsible for any damages their teens cause while behind the wheel. New technologies allowing parents to limit their children’s use of cell phones while driving are on the market, and many concerned parents have considering using the technology to prevent their teens from using phones while driving.
Online applications and social media can be addictive. It can be difficult to ignore a text. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota who assists victims of car accidents, and sees cases where accidents could have been prevented had drivers put their phones on silent and focused on the road. Drivers who fail to drive safely could be required to pay victims money to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
According to WCPO, insurance companies believe that smart phones and distracted driving are leading to more accidents and fatalities. Yet, Minnesota may actually be among the states with declining numbers of accidents. According to Property Casualty Insurers of America, collisions have been increasing in cities where traffic is more congested, and collisions have been decreasing in cities were traffic is less congested. Some experts believe that drivers may be more tempted to pick up their cell phones when traffic slows down.
While accident rates may be declining in Minnesota, drivers still should consider the risks of distracted driving before they pick up the phone. And, if you or a loved one was hurt in a distracted driving accident, consider taking action. Visit https://martinmontilino.com/ to learn more about your options. Our firm helps raise awareness of the risk of distracted driving through litigation and settlements for drivers injured due to negligent driving practices.