Some motorists in Oklahoma might be more likely to use their cell phones while driving. A study recently published by the Society for Risk Analysis found that women and people who were negative about safety were more apt to use their phones while driving. A group the study identified as “highly disinhibited” was also more likely to do so.
People who talk on their cell phones while driving are twice as likely to be in a motor vehicle accident than those who do not, and people who text and drive are six times more likely. It is estimated that in the United States, cell phone usage has been responsible for about 25 percent of all motor vehicle accidents.
The study also found that drivers are more prone to using their phones at certain times. For example, some restricted their phone usage to times when the vehicle was stopped. Others tended to use their phones on straight rather than curvy roads or put the phone away when traffic was heavy. The presence of law enforcement also appeared to be a deterrent. However, the researchers said that people were generally not good judges of when it was safe to use their phones.
People who are involved in car accidents caused by distracted drivers may be seriously injured. It could be important for these injured victims to get compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses and possibly lost wages from work. However, not all insurance companies offer enough. This is where a lawyer could provide valuable legal guidance.
