Most of us are guilty of using a cell phone while driving at some time or another, and some much more often than others. But every year, more than one million accidents are caused by drivers using cell phones. Texting while driving rightfully is banned in 41 states due to the potential for distraction leading to an accident. And a dozen states have banned using cell phones altogether while most others have some sort of laws limiting the use of cell phones by drivers. Hands-free only cell phone usage by drives is a popular one.
More Than A Quarter of All Accidents Involve Cell Phone Use
Although most states ban texting while driving, a new study shows that talking while driving is more dangerous. Texting while driving accounts for far less accidents than simply talking on a cell phone while driving, according to the National Safety Council. About 26 percent of all accidents involve at least one driver using a cell phone. But only 5 percent of accidents occur when a driver is texting. While still a significant percentage that represents thousands of accidents and likely deaths, the toll from texting is much less than that of talking on a cell phone.
Rising Accident Rates Involving Cell Phones
About 1.3 million accidents in the United States during 2013 involved using a cell phones while driving, according to the National Safety Council. That amount is about 1 percent more than during 2012 and is part of a trend of more accidents involving drivers using cell phones. And with cellular plans becoming more affordable and service more reliable, more people are using cell phones. So the percentages likely will continue to rise until states either crack down more on cell phone usage by drivers or more motorists learn better ways to manage their cell phone usage while driving. Have you ever been distracted when using a cell phone while driving and almost cause an accident?