June 30th is Social Media Day. The impact of social media on individuals and business is massive.
For Social Media Day, we must discuss the increase in distracted driving. Distracted driving accidents are one of the leading reasons injured clients come to Chad Jones Law.
So, I hope you’re not reading this while driving. Social media and driving don’t mix.
Find a parking lot, park your car, and enjoy.
The global rise in cell phones while driving has led to an increase in car wrecks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA,) 3,308 people lost their lives because of distracted driving.
In April 2024, NHTSA launched the “Put the Phone Away or Pay” awareness campaign to help save lives in distraction-affected traffic crashes.
In 2023, distracted drivers were responsible for 94,330 crashes. Our fellow Texans had more than 2,793 injuries and 399 deaths from avoidable crashes.
Distracted driving is anything that interrupts your focus from driving.
A moment of driver distraction is a high-risk experience. At 55mph, you can travel the length of Kyle Field in five seconds.
Our phones are the leading culprits for distracted driving accidents. However, every distraction is a concern today.
Distracted driving affects young adults and teen drivers. Drivers aged 15–20 have a higher rate of fatal car accidents because of distracted driving. Most distraction-affected traffic crashes involve someone using social media, texting, or watching videos while driving.
The advent of connected cars hasn’t reduced distracted driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment systems connect smartphone features to in-car displays while driving.
NHTSA has provided guidelines for in-vehicle electronics to car manufacturers to help reduce driving distractions. However, compliance with the guidelines is completely voluntary. Moreover, the guidelines do not apply to aftermarket infotainment systems.
Many automakers include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. These platforms promise drivers safe operation of their smartphones. This feature allows users to access music, podcasts, GPS, and calls, all without touching their phones.
| CONNECTED CAR | |
| Pros | Cons |
| This feature promotes hands-free. | Cognitive Distraction |
| It reduces texting and driving. | Using touch screen interfaces |
| Allows verbal commands in text messages. | Hands-free devices still require visual and audio cues. |
Secondly, we have virtual assistants. It allows you to do tasks hands-free, like calling and sending texts. Let’s add that to the list of examples of distracted driving. We have a clear gap between technology and driving safely.
As we celebrate Social Media Day, staying connected seems more important in today’s fast-paced world. Did you know that the average person touches their phone 2,600 times a day? That means an average person checks their phone every 12 minutes—it’s addictive!
Look.
We understand that social media apps don’t encourage people to focus on the road. Social media is for keeping us entertained, connected, and informed. Snapchat is a popular app where users can share photos and short videos that disappear quickly. Teens enjoy using Snapchat as a fun way to talk.
However, the harmless nature of snapping and sending pictures has growing reports of teens using the app while driving. Snapchat has a filter that checks your speed while driving.
You read that right!
You can use Snapchat to check your speed while driving. The problem with checking your phone while driving is that it removes 5 seconds of your reaction time on the road. Lawsuits seeking damages have blamed the bad results on the use of Snapchat.
CNN reports on Snapchat accidents and lawsuits. A young woman was using Snapchat while driving over 100 mph while using the speed filter. While she was snapchatting, she crashed into another driver who suffered a serious traumatic brain injury.
Distracted driving has become a pandemic. You should start thinking, who have you lost or are you next? We don’t plan to be in accidents, but we are not driving safely.
Miami Herald says a 22-year-old woman named Milagros Ayala was driving a sedan with her son, Elier Padilla. Ayala was driving in the wrong direction, going east in a westbound lane. Investigators reported that it is unclear how this happened.
A Chevrolet pickup truck was coming towards her from the other direction. The driver tried to move out of the way, but it was too late.
The truck crashed into Ayala’s sedan. There could be many reasons Ayala ended up on the wrong side of the road, however it could be a clear cognitive distraction.
Reports mention that Ayala was not wearing her seatbelt and that her son was not secure in his car seat.
Do you see the dangers?
Anything that takes your attention away from driving is a distraction.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) bans phone use while driving.
The statute includes:
Across the United States, lawmakers are passing laws with new penalties for distracted driving.
In Texas, you can get $200 fines for distracted driving. You could face criminal charges if another party dies because of your negligence.
Social Media Day is a mid-year reminder to make driving your only activity when you’re behind the wheel.
Just a few days ago, we lost one of our Bryan-College Station residents in a distracted driving crash. The wreck closed Texas HWY 6 in Robertson County for four hours.
Source: KBTX.com
We can make roads safer for everyone by raising awareness, having strict regulations, and promoting safe driving. The choice to drive without distractions is yours – the impact it will have on your life is far greater than staying updated online.
Stop using your phone while driving. Your life is worth more than a dangerous distraction.
Your social media platform can wait until you’re safe.
Distracted driving car wrecks should be completely avoidable. However, if a distracted driver has injured you or someone you know, call us.
Our experienced Texas car accident lawyers at Chad Jones Law can help you understand your rights with a free, no obligation consultation. 🟦
