Philadelphia Texting And Driving On The Increase, What To Do When You Are Injured In A Car Accident

Texting and driving is often cited as a major cause of distracted driving, and drivers on roads pretty much everywhere can often be seen blatantly using their cellphones while in control of a vehicle. What is surprising, is the fact that so few Philadelphia drivers are arrested and held accountable for committing this potential catastrophic offense. Despite texting and driving being visible on a regular basis, only two citations for the offense were made per municipality in 2017, and that was more than had been made in 2016. A law prohibiting texting and driving came into force in Pennsylvania in 2012 but, between 2013 and 2016, just 8,700 citations resulted across the entire state.

According to recent statistics released by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, just 8 drivers per day have been caught using their cellphones while driving, and it is obvious that far more than this do indulge in the unlawful behavior. In fact, a survey commissioned in 2016 saw around 25% of American drivers admit to using their cellphones while driving.

Distracted Driving in Philadelphia and Beyond – The Truth

Despite, or perhaps because of, the apparent inadequacy of the texting and driving legislation, distracted driving accounts for a major proportion of Pennsylvania car accidents. Around 50 fatal accidents are caused in this manner each year, totaling 227 between 2013 and 2017.

Although awareness of the dangers of distracted driving is on the increase, so too are the numbers of drivers apparently willing to risk being involved in a Philadelphia car accident for the sake of a few seconds on their cellphone. Consider the following figures as evidence of how dismissive many Americans are about the dangers of distracted driving:

• 35% of drivers admit to using their cellphone while driving, compared to 31% in 2009
• 61% of motorists aged between 18 to 25 admit to texting while behind the wheel
• 22% of drivers admit to reading social media while in charge of a motor vehicle, a significant increase on the 2009 figure of 9%
• 29% admit to accessing the internet while driving

Whatever the reasons behind the increasing use of cellphones while driving, the fact remains that the practice leads to increased risk of car accidents. If you are involved in a car accident caused by texting and driving, you need the legal representation of an expert Philadelphia car accident lawyer.

What to Do After a Philadelphia Car Accident

If you are involved in a Philadelphia car accident, our attorney recommends that you follow these steps to help with any claim you may wish to file:

• Check yourself, your passengers, and any other motorists and vehicle occupants for injuries. Make sure all injuries, no matter how minor, are noted by the police while compiling their report
• Take photos of your vehicle, and make notes on any damage
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel that your injuries are not severe. Failing to do so may adversely affect your claim in future
• Request a copy of the full police report
• Consult an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney to discuss how best to proceed when seeking damages

To speak to a Philadelphia experienced attorney about your case, call Dan Doyle Law Group today on 215-987-3730 for a free initial consultation.