How Many Car Accidents Are Caused By Cell Phones?

Writing By /
Brenton Armour
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases...Read more

Have you ever been in a car accident caused by someone using their cell phone while driving? Unfortunately, it’s becoming all too common. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that around 1.6 million car accidents each year are caused by drivers using their phones.

With the rise of smartphones and the constant need to stay connected, it’s no surprise that distracted driving has become a major issue on the roads. But just how many accidents are caused by cell phones, and what can be done to prevent them? In this article, we’ll explore the facts and figures behind this dangerous trend and offer some tips for staying safe behind the wheel.

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Cell Phones?
According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. Additionally, texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving. It is estimated that at any given moment during daylight hours, 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving in the United States. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using cell phones while driving to prevent accidents.

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Cell Phones?

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Cell Phones?

Cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives. They keep us connected to our loved ones and the rest of the world, but they can also be a major distraction when we are behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States, and cell phones are a major contributor to this problem. In this article, we will explore the statistics surrounding cell phone use and car accidents and discuss the dangers of distracted driving.

The Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019 alone. Of these deaths, 10% were caused by cell phone use. This means that roughly 314 people lost their lives in car accidents caused by cell phone use in 2019.

The statistics surrounding non-fatal car accidents caused by cell phone use are just as alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,000 people are injured in car accidents caused by distracted driving every day. While not all of these accidents can be attributed to cell phone use, it is safe to assume that a significant number of them are.

To put it bluntly, using a cell phone while driving is dangerous and can have deadly consequences.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

When we think of distracted driving, we often think of texting while driving. While this is certainly a major problem, it is not the only form of distracted driving. Any activity that takes your attention away from the road can be considered distracted driving.

Some common examples of distracted driving include:

– Eating or drinking while driving
– Adjusting the radio or climate control
– Grooming or applying makeup
– Talking to passengers
– Using a GPS device
– Daydreaming

All of these activities can be dangerous, but cell phone use is particularly concerning because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention. When you are using your cell phone while driving, you are taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off the task at hand.

The Benefits of Going Hands-Free

Fortunately, there are ways to stay connected while on the road without putting yourself and others in danger. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using hands-free technology.

Many newer cars come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to make and receive calls without ever touching your phone. If your car doesn’t have this feature, there are a variety of aftermarket solutions available that can be easily installed.

In addition to Bluetooth, there are a number of voice-activated digital assistants that can help you stay connected while driving. Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant are all examples of digital assistants that can be used hands-free.

The Verdict

So, how many car accidents are caused by cell phones? While the statistics can vary from year to year, one thing is clear: distracted driving is a major problem on our roads, and cell phones are a significant contributor to this problem.

If you must use your cell phone while driving, it is important to do so in a way that minimizes distractions. Going hands-free is one way to accomplish this, but the best course of action is to simply put your phone away while you are behind the wheel.

Remember, the life you save could be your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cell phone usage while driving has become a major concern, and many people wonder how many car accidents are actually caused by cell phones. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about this topic:

What percentage of car accidents are caused by cell phones?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of car accidents caused by cell phones, but research suggests that the percentage is significant. According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. This accounts for 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States.

Moreover, distracted driving is a factor in 80% of all car accidents, and cell phone usage is one of the most common types of distractions. Therefore, it is safe to say that cell phone use is a major contributor to car accidents.

What types of cell phone activities cause car accidents?

Any cell phone activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road can cause a car accident. The most common activities include texting, making phone calls, checking social media, and browsing the internet. Even using a cell phone for GPS or music can be distracting and lead to a car accident.

It’s important to note that hands-free cell phone use is not necessarily safer than handheld use. Hands-free devices can still cause cognitive distractions that take a driver’s attention away from the road.

Why is cell phone use while driving so dangerous?

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous because it takes a driver’s attention away from the road. When a driver is distracted, their reaction time slows down, and they are more likely to make mistakes. In fact, texting while driving is considered to be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

Additionally, cell phone use can cause visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, which means a driver is not only looking away from the road, but also physically and mentally distracted. This can lead to a car accident with serious or even fatal consequences.

What can be done to prevent car accidents caused by cell phones?

The best way to prevent car accidents caused by cell phones is to avoid using them while driving. Drivers should turn off their cell phones or put them on silent mode before getting behind the wheel. If it is necessary to use a cell phone, drivers should pull over to a safe location and use it there.

Additionally, states and governments can pass laws to ban cell phone use while driving or impose heavy fines for those who violate the law. Education campaigns can also be launched to raise awareness about the dangers of cell phone use while driving and encourage safer driving habits.

What should I do if I am in a car accident caused by cell phone use?

If you are involved in a car accident caused by cell phone use, you should first seek medical attention if needed. Then, you should contact the police and report the accident. If possible, gather information about the other driver and any witnesses to the accident.

You should also contact your insurance company and inform them about the accident. If you were not at fault for the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company for damages. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options.

In conclusion, it is evident that cell phones have become one of the biggest distractions for drivers. Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents, and the use of cell phones while driving has been proven to increase the risk of accidents. The statistics show that a significant number of accidents are caused by cell phone use, and this number is only expected to increase as cell phone usage continues to rise.

It is important for drivers to recognize the dangers of using cell phones while driving and take necessary precautions to avoid distractions. This includes turning off cell phones or setting them to silent mode while driving, using hands-free devices, and avoiding engaging in phone conversations or texting while behind the wheel.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each individual driver to make safe choices while driving. By being mindful of the risks associated with cell phone use while driving, we can all play a role in reducing the number of car accidents and keeping our roads safe for everyone.

Brenton ArmourUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases from minor injuries to devastating accidents, earning him a sterling reputation as a trusted and passionate advocate for justice. Brenton's unwavering dedication to his clients has cemented his position as a sought-after personal injury attorney.

Scroll to Top