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Debate Continues over Cell Phone Use While Driving in Florida and Nationwide

Just when it seemed like everyone was on the same page and had agreed that using a cell phone while driving was an unsafe and bad idea, a study was released arguing that driving while on the phone may not be as dangerous as once thought. More specifically, the study suggests that cell-phone bans are not as effective as they were once thought to be.

According to a report by Extreme Tech, a recent study looked at accident rates before and after a California cell-phone ban went into effect. The results may be surprising to some: “We find no evidence that the ban on hand-held cell phone use led to a reduction in traffic accidents.”

The study, of course, has its opposition. In fact, one study released by the University of California at Berkeley found that the exact opposite was true. However, the more recent study claims to take more factors into account, such as “weather, gasoline prices, number of drivers on the highway and traffic density, holidays, total miles driven, and ever-safer cars.”

The bottom line is that the new study is not arguing that driving while using a cell phone is not dangerous, but it is arguing against the effectiveness of a cell-phone ban. The study suggests that for several reason, cell-phone bans may not be as effective as people think. For example:

  • Drivers who continued to talk on the phone while driving may have done the same thing before the law was passed.
  • Some drivers simply ignore the law and continue talking on the phone.
  • There may be some overestimation of the dangers of talking on the phone while driving.

Combining all three of these factors, the authors of the study suggest, result in the cell-phone ban being less effective than people previously thought.

The Real Dangers of Distracted Driving

Whether a cell-phone ban is effective at decreasing the total number of fatal accidents on the road is potentially up for debate, although it can hardly be disputed that driving while talking on the phone is dangerous, since it takes a driver’s attention away from the road.

Talking on the phone, as well as all other kinds of distracted driving behavior, is the cause of many serious and fatal Florida car accident each year. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, consider speaking to a dedicated Florida personal injury attorney about what rights you may have.

Have You Been Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. However, there is little doubt that the person or people responsible for the accident will attempt to deflect fault away from themselves and onto you or another party, potentially limiting your chances of recovery. To learn more about bow to effectively bring a Florida personal injury claim, call 800-753-5529 today to set up a free initial consultation.

More Blog Posts:

Are You a Victim of Personal Injury?, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published August 26, 2014.

Save Money on Auto Insurance, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published July 23, 2014.

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