Rear-end accidents are among the most common collision types within Jonesboro, Paragould, Craighead County, Lawrence County, Greene County, Mississippi County, Poinsett County and surrounding areas. A rear-end accident lawyer knows that one of the most common causes of these crashes is drivers who do not pay attention to the roads. Motorists fail to focus on what the car in front of them is doing and, as a result, cannot react in time if the vehicle in front comes to a stop or slows down.
Motorists are often distracted by a cell phone, which results in a rear-end crash. Cell phone accidents have become more likely to occur as the number of people using a cell phone has increased significantly. In 1995, just 13 percent of all people within the United States had a mobile phone. More recently, more than 91 percent of the total population has a phone. Many of these phones are smart phones so motorists may not only be talking but also texting or even emailing or using Facebook or social media. The problem has become such a big issue that estimates suggest 11 percent of motorists on the road at any given moment are on a cell phone while operating their vehicle.
Cell Phone Bans Can Help Reduce Rear-End Accidents
With more phone users, more laws have been passed banning or restricting the use of cell phones by people who are driving. Some question whether these bans can make a positive impact on reducing rear-end accidents and other collisions. The bans can be hard to enforce and people do not always follow the laws. While the majority of motorists say they know talking on a phone while driving is dangerous, more than half of all motorists also say they regularly talk on their phones anyway.
One study from Southern Methodist University looked at whether a cell phone ban would make a measurable impact in reducing rear-end accidents. Crash data from California was reviewed for the study. California was chosen as the location because there have been strict rules on cell phones in place in California since 2008. California also bans all handheld and hands-free phone use for motorists under 18.
Drivers over 18 are prohibited from using a hand-held phone for anything, including as a GPS. Hands-free phones are allowed for drivers 18 and up. The California ban on handheld phone use is a primary enforcement ban, so drivers can be pulled over for phone use even without committing any other traffic offense.
The study from Southern Methodist compared the number of rear-end crashes from before and after the ban, accounting for other factors that could affect collision rates like fuel consumption, new vehicle registration, unemployment and rainfall. From 2006 to 2008 before the ban, 13,522 rear-end crashes happened. From 2008 to 2010, after the ban, only around 11,708 rear-end collisions were reported. Even after adjusting for other factors, there was still a statistically significant decline in rear-end crashes once a cell phone ban was in place.
If you were injured in a traffic collision, a Jonesboro personal injury lawyer can fight to protect your rights. Contact the McDaniel Law Firm at 1-855-524-4744 or visit www.mcdaniellawyers.com. Serving Northeast Arkansas including Jonesboro, Paragould, Craighead County, Lawrence County, Greene County, Mississippi County, Poinsett County and surrounding areas.
