Is Social Media Causing Car Accidents?

Is Social Media Causing Car Accidents?

Social media has become a vital part of our daily lives. In 2020, 223 million Americans were present on social media. The platform helps us communicate with people all over the globe and provides information on relative matters. For many, the regular use of Social Media has led to a positive impact.

However, its misuse has also produced adverse effects on society. Social media is addictive, and some people face issues managing its use. The problem has grown so much that people cannot put their phones down while driving. This distracted driving can lead to car accidents. Here is a guide to help explain how social media contributes to distracted driving and how to deal with a lawsuit regarding it. 

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is when the driver’s attention is not on the road. The CDC distributes distracted driving into three categories:

Visual: This type refers to when the driver’s eyes are not on the road. Common distractions that lead to this behavior are looking at mobile phones, staring at billboards, checking makeup in a mirror, and looking at the back seat. 

Manual: In manual distracted driving, the driver removes their hands from the steering to do other tasks. The task can be texting, checking emails, adjusting the radio, taking out an item from a bag, or grooming. 

Cognitive: This refers to when the driver is mentally distracted and unable to focus on the road. Common types of cognitive distracted driving are talking on the phone, daydreaming, and arguing with passengers. 

The CDC also claims that nine fatalities and 1,000 injuries occur every day because of these types of distracted driving. 

How Is Social Media Responsible for Distracted Driving?

Depending on the circumstances, the use of social media can fall under all three distracted driving types. Actively using social media while driving falls under the visual and manual inattentive driving category. Even if you do not use the applications while driving but have them on your mind, it will fall under cognitive distracted driving. 

How to Deal with a Distracted Driving Lawsuit

Anyone can be in an accident because of the other party’s distracted driving. To ensure you prevail in such a lawsuit, you require good representation, such as the Walnut Creek Car Accident Lawyers. The lawyers will help you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. According to each situation, the other side will grant you recompensation. The payments can include: 

• Cost for vehicle repairs 
• Reimbursement for medical fees 
• Compensation for pain and suffering because of the accident
• Cost of lost Income. If the accident led you to lose a job or miss paid hours. 

If you are the one responsible for distracted driving. Then you should immediately come clear and pay the required dues. If you do not take responsibility, the situation can worsen, and you will be charged with a heavy fine and may even face a prison charge. The punishment depends on the state. 

Endnote

To avoid accidents caused by distracted driving. Many states have banned the use of phones while driving, but mobile phones are not the sole cause. Only focus on driving on the road for the safety of yourself and those around you. If an emergency task arises, pull over before paying attention. And if you have teenage kids that recently started driving, educate them about the consequences of distracted driving.