Motorist cell phone usage is believed to be a contributing factor to the rise of automobile accidents, in Michigan and throughout the country. Numerous studies support that conclusion, given that electronic devices inherently require a portion of your touch, attention, and focus.
The problem is that safe driving requires 100% of the driver’s attention on the task of driving. Anything that conflicts or competes with that attention will increase the likelihood of a car accident, whether with another vehicle, with a structure of some sort, or with a pedestrian. Under those circumstances, one or more of the parties involved may then need the services of a car accident lawyer in Michigan.
From a driving perspective, the issue with modern cell phones is that they are seemingly designed for close and convenient usage. Rather than simply accepting an incoming call or making one of your own (neither of which is advisable in the absence of a handsfree connection), mobile technology allows for, among other things:
These applications (or apps), along with many others, essentially transform cell phones into digital hand-held lap top computer. This is often innocent in nature, as such navigation devices also offer GPS direction assistance (Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze for instance). A driver may have been doing nothing more than glancing down for directions for too long a time while studying a city-street layout before causing an accident. Unfortunately, these moments can lead to serious injury in a split second, wrongful death and/or serious property damage.
It’s such a common aspect of daily life, driving, that breaking it down to its elementary purpose is seemingly unnecessary. But some things bear reminding, particularly where safety is concerned. Driving is as much a privilege as it is a right, and a few of its properties should be routinely acknowledged by drivers:
You won’t see any bicyclists and pedestrians applying for bike and walking licenses. Those are regarded as low-risk activities, presenting minimal potential for harm to oneself or others.
As mentioned above, cars are motorized, heavy and can move quickly. Operating even the smallest, slowest automobile carries with it the potential for causing considerable injuries, often life-threatening damage. Drivers must be trained (typically during a high school driver course) and their skills evaluated by the Michigan Secretary of State before a license to drive will be legally issued. That license itself is subject to suspension or revocation if a motor vehicle driver repeatedly proves him/herself irresponsible behind the wheel. The right to walk, however, is essentially untouchable right…even if the pedestrian is walking while texting.
Driving while texting, however, is another matter entirely.
Endless studies, reports, and daily observations support the notion that Americans (and Michiganders included) are increasingly addicted to their cell phones and other mobile devices. The problem is mushrooming into something almost epidemic. Placing aside the cultural harm caused by that phenomenon, it also presents a very real threat to safe driving.
Historical threats to responsible driving have included:
These remain a source of many automobile accidents each year, but public awareness campaigns combined with legislative measures have been implemented in an effort to positively influence driver behavior. The Michigan Department of Transportation provides clear ordinances pertinent to the matter.
But cell phone usage presents a new challenge entirely. Drivers are frequently compelled to ignore their primary responsibility by the “need” to send a message, read an incoming one, capture a photograph, et cetera. That temptation is difficult to ignore and has led to many traffic accidents in Michigan and elsewhere.
We are these days tethered to our personal and professional networks to an unprecedented degree. Unfortunately, that aspect of modern cell phone technology has seen licensed drivers parting ways with safe driving behavior(s).
Handsfree mobile technology has been available for years. Many new(er) vehicles feature Bluetooth capability, which allows drivers to speak via cell phone without needing to engage with the phone itself. Ensuring your own phone is linked with any such handsfree tool is advisable and may dramatically reduce your likelihood of causing an accident due to distraction.
A few more safe driving recommendations include:
Put simply, cell phone usage requires more attention than a driver can spare. Restrict it entirely, particularly any actions that remove hands from the wheel and eyes from your surrounding area.
There’s no question about it: Drivers who use their cell phones while on the road are more likely to cause an accident than those who do not. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may need knowledgeable legal counsel.
Contact our Michigan car accident lawyers and let us help you understand your situation as the law sees it. The laws surrounding these cell phone use matters are subject to change and have evolved substantially in recent years. Michigan lawmakers take the problem seriously, as they should, but they also prioritize individual rights. We can provide you with clarity on both. Contact us today 1-248-352-2110 or toll free 1-866-HIRE-JOE.
