Why texting while driving can spell disaster
Let’s face it, we all love our mobile phones. To Australians, a smartphone is more than just a way to make calls. A large proportion of Australians use their smartphones for accessing social media and using messenger or chat apps. Additionally, mobiles are used for everyday activities such as texting friends, transferring money, as a boarding pass, and as a streaming device. This is all really useful – just not while we are driving a car.
Distracted driving is widespread in Australia
Mobile phone use is a significant contributor to motor vehicle accidents – ‘distracted driving’ is a leading cause of accidents in Queensland.It is generally illegal to use a mobile phone without a hands-free system while driving, with few exceptions such as using a phone in a cradle or using voice-activated functions. Yet statistics show thousands of Australians are breaking this law. Survey data from the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) indicates that around 70% of Australians admitted to using their mobile phones while driving, either for calls, texting, or browsing.
Increased crash risk – The Three Big Distractions
Engaging in activities like texting, talking, or browsing on a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of being involved in a crash or near-miss incidents. Using a mobile phone can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react quickly to changing road conditions, leading to delayed responses and potentially dangerous situations. Mobile phone use involves visual distraction (taking eyes off the road), cognitive distraction (mental distraction from the task of driving), and manual distraction (taking hands off the steering wheel), all of which contribute to reduced driver performance and increased crash risk.
More studies are showing a link between vehicular phone use and accidents
A study conducted by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) found that drivers who use their mobile phones while driving are up to four times more likely to be involved in a crash. According to another study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), distracted driving, including mobile phone use, accounted for around 16% of fatal crashes and 21% of serious injury crashes in Australia.
A research report by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) estimated that mobile phone distraction contributed to around 14% of fatal and serious injury crashes across Australia. In terms of enforcement, Australian police issue thousands of fines for mobile phone use while driving each year. In QLD, AI applied to safety camera photos is also being used to detect mobile usage while driving.
What if you are hit by a driver who was distracted by their mobile phone?
If you are injured in a Queensland car accident, you may have a right to make a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your injuries from the relevant CTP insurer. If you suffer a psychological injury, stress or anxiety as a result of witnessing a motor vehicle accident then you may also be able to make a personal injury claim.
At TPIL Lawyers, our experienced “No Win, No Fee” personal injury lawyers are experienced in motor vehicle accident claims. We have a proven track record of securing favourable outcomes for our clients. We can help you determine who is at fault for the car accident, and if you are not at fault, we can help you to get the medical treatment and the compensation to which you are entitled.
TPIL Lawyers are highly experienced in dealing with road accident claims which includes Uber accidents.
Contact us today to speak with one of our lawyers and remember, we are here to help.
