Many Americans enjoy the conveniences of cell phones.
In recent years, cell phones have become so advanced that the machines that used to just make calls now allow individuals to email, send text messages, surf the internet, and perform a number of other tasks.
With all of these distractions that phones may provide, it is no wonder that there is a direct correlation between cell phone usage and the likelihood of an automobile accident.
Some tasks that individuals perform on their phones require more attention than others.
For instance, composing a text message takes more effort than talking to someone on the phone.
However, cell phone use in general is still a dangerous activity for many drivers.
Across the nation, various bans on phone usage while driving have been enacted.
Some places ban texting or emailing while driving but permit talking.
Other ban any use of a cell phone whatsoever.
A look at statistics helps one understand the rational behind these laws.
For example, drivers who try to compose emails or send text messages while driving are up to eight times more likely to cause a car accident than drivers who are driving without distractions.
Some of the dangers of just talking on a phone while driving can be eliminated with the use of hands-free devices such as Bluetooth headsets, but ultimately, talking on the phone still diverts a driver's attention from the road or, at the very least, splits the driver's attention between the two activities.
When phone users cause automobile accidents, they are usually found to be at-fault for the accident.
As such, victims of these accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries.