Eyes on the Road, Not on a Screen

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cellphone use while driving creates a greater risk death and injuries on the roads. In 2018, 2,841 people in the U.S. were killed in auto accident involving distracted drivers.

A new study reveals that drivers who use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto posed a greater risk on the road than motorists with alcohol or cannabis in their system. Although these systems were intended to reduce distracted driving, the reality is they pose a dangerous distraction to drivers which can lead to accidents with other motorists. The study involved 46 drivers using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto who were given the task of adjusting the controls. It took them 16 seconds to complete the task, which is enough time to cause an auto accident.

“In many of the cases that I handle involving car accidents, distracted driving is a factor which contributed to the crash,” said Dana M. Paris, an attorney at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy. “It’s important to remember that most distractions can be avoided, and many crashes are preventable.  As a driver, the best practice is to remain fully focused and to keep your attention on the roadway while behind the wheel.”

Getting the Roads Safer

In April of 2009, Cleveland City Council passed a ban on text-messaging while driving to take effect 90 days after Mayor Jackson signed the legislation. This bill was not only to ban texting, but also includes downloading and surfing the Web, while driving.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2012, a bill that makes texting and driving illegal in Ohio was approved by the State Senate. The legislation would make it a secondary offense to operate a handheld device in order to send/receive messages or emails while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

A couple months later, in August 2012, Ohio became the 39^th state to ban texting while driving. The new law is no easier on juvenile drivers. For motorists under the age of 18, being caught texting and driving is considered a primary offense. This means officers can issue tickets if they believe the teen was texting.  Also, on top of the $150 fine, a teen driver could have their license revoked for 60 days. A second offense could result in their license being taken for up to a year.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been 2,988 distracted driving violations already in 2020.

Keeping the roads safe, should be top priority for drivers. Using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and cell phones can distract the driver using them and cause auto accidents. You can wait to answer that text or change that song. Is it worth getting in an accident? 

Meet Our Auto Accident Attorney

Since joining Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, Dana M. Paris has obtained verdicts and settlements exceeding $22 Million for our clients as both lead counsel and second chair. Dana’s practice focuses on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death from automobile collisions, medical negligence, and birth trauma.

Contact Our Ohio Auto Accident Attorneys

When you’re injured in an auto accident, let our Ohio auto accident attorneys help you get through the legal battles so you can focus on recovery and getting back to work. Fill our free consultation form or call (216) 230 – 6352.

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