Texting and Cellular Phone Use While Driving

As technology continues to advance, individuals find it more and more challenging to put down or stay away from their cellular phones. The number of lives lost and injuries due to car accidents continue to increase everyday and are often linked to distracted drivers who are texting or using their cellular phones.

Most individuals fail to realize that by using their cell phones while driving, they are not only placing their lives in danger, but the lives of other road users. Pedestrians, motorists and cyclists are put at risk daily due to the negligence of drivers.

For this reason it is important that individuals learn the dangers associated with texting or cell phone use while driving. Death, as well as injuries caused by car accidents, can alter an individual's life forever. Studies have proven that cellular phone use impairs drivers' abilities and the driver is twenty three times more likely to end up in a car crash than a focused driver, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, studies have proven that cellular phone use impairs a driver's ability."  A distracted driver is twenty three times more likely to end up in a car crash than a focused driver. There are numerous minor and major injuries that individuals suffer from as a result of vehicular accidents. Minor injuries may cure easily, while major injuries may require immediate medical attention in order to achieve some form of recovery." 

Some of these injuries include; lacerations, broken bones, spine, back and neck injuries and concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Broken glass or other bits and pieces of material in the vehicle may graze skin. The cuts may heal on their own if they are minor, however, deep lacerations may lead to a reduction in blood count and call for surgery to restore.

Despite the fact that scarring may occur, lacerations are considered the most minor of all the injuries. Many bones can be broken when an individual is involved in an accident. Minor breaks are often treated using a cast and physical rehabilitation, while more severe breaks may require surgery to repair, yet again followed by physical rehabilitation. Whiplash, sometimes referred to as a soft tissue injury occurs when there is intense motion in the neck. This may sometimes be linked to spinal injuries. These spinal injuries may create intense pain, loss of feeling or paralysis. Internal organs may suffer injures if the car crash forces an individual's body into an object, whether it be the steering wheel or any other object inside or outside of the vehicle. Injuries to internal organs usually lead to internal bleeding and require immediate medical attention. A jolt to the head may result in inflammation in the brain which may result in permanent injury. If an individual has hit their head in a collision the swelling may or may not commence directly after the incident. Even if there is no immediate effect, it is important to seek medical attention.

Due to the risks involved with car accidents, especially those caused by texting and cell phone use, many agencies have made it their duty to persuade individuals to avoid using their phones while driving. Campaigns such as the "Put Down the Phone and Leave it alone" campaign are put in place to help educate the public on the dangers of texting while driving.

The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) has allied with the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) to create an awareness campaign reinforcing the disadvantages of cellular phone use while driving. According to an article on distracted driving by Blair Carter, the campaign is based several themes including talking on a cell phone and texting while driving. The organizations are committed to educating the public, hoping that it will reduce cell phone use while driving and reinforce the fact that driving requires complete focus. The slightest disturbance may lead to unsatisfactory consequences.

Some agencies make it their duty to encourage people to share their stories, whether it is through social media websites such as Facebook or Twitter or through advertisements. People often share stories of love ones who have passed, after sending a simple text message such as "TTYL" or "K." These also aid in public awareness. Fines have also been introduced, to help reduce the use of cellular phones while driving and also to help individuals understand the severity of distracted driving.

In Ontario, the fine for cell phone use while driving is $155, implemented as of October 2009. Throughout Canada however, the fines range from $100 to $500. Law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to ensure that people understand the risk of distracted driving. Often, people who are injured due to the negligence of another driver who is texting or using his or her cell phone want to know if they can receive compensation for their injuries.

According to Ontario law, people who are hurt or who have lost a loved one because a driver is on their cell phone, they have the right to gain compensation for wages lost, medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability and recovery. It is necessary however, to prove that the driver was at fault, before asking for compensation. The best way to ensure that an injured individual gains compensation from the responsible party is to receive advice or representation from a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer, preferably an expert in cell phone accidents, can help you prove that the driver is responsible for your injury or the injury of another, by accessing the phone records of the one at fault.

Remember that a focused driver is the best driver. It is important to leave the cell phone down when driving and it is also important to know your rights. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a cell phone accident and has suffered injuries, contact Gluckstein Lawyers today.