Report finds distracted driving on the rise across U.S.

Traffic safety experts say that distracted driving in Texas and elsewhere is becoming more dangerous than drunk driving. According to a new report, the problem is linked to America’s growing cellphone use.

Earlier this year, the third annual Zendrive distracted driving report was released. It found that the number of phone-distracted drivers roaming U.S. roads doubled in 2018. Research shows that these drivers are oblivious behind the wheel around 28% of the time. Currently, approximately one in every 12 drivers is thought to be consistently distracted by phone use behind the wheel.

In December, Forbes combined the Zendrive data with a consumer survey to find out how U.S. drivers view distracted driving, cellphone use and traffic safety. The magazine found that nearly all drivers believe they are safe drivers. However, in an example of cognitive dissonance, most drivers also admit that they frequently use their phones while behind the wheel. This can be a major hazard when traveling at highway speeds. After all, drivers who look at their phones for just a few seconds at 70 mph can go hundreds of yards while completely zoned out. Because of this, it is no surprise that distracted driving is associated with an 83% increase in all types of car accidents.

Texas residents who are injured in auto accidents caused by distracted drivers might have grounds to take legal action against the driver who caused the collision. With the help of an attorney, it might be possible to prove that the second driver was using his or her cellphone or was otherwise distracted in the moments leading up to the accident. As a result, the injured victim might be awarded compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, physical therapy bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, property damages and other related losses.