As part of its “It Can Wait” campaign, AT&T recently conducted a survey, and discovered that nearly seven in ten people have admitted to utilizing their smartphone while driving. While the majority of those activities involved texting, four in ten users acknowledged use of social media while driving.
Obviously, any form of distracted driving presents a significant danger. Unfortunately, despite public service campaigns like “It Can Wait,” the National Safety Council has reported an actual increase in accidents relating to smartphone use. One of the most outrageous trends has been the prevalence of “selfies” while driving. We have all seen these photos, as friends and acquaintances post them to social media sites. Remarkably, several popular Twitter pages even exist containing “#selfiewhiledriving” and similar phrases.
The Dangers of Taking Selfies While Driving
The act of taking a selfie while driving may very well be even more dangerous than other distracted driving activities. Bear in mind that a car traveling at 55 miles per hour will cover over 80 feet per second. Assuming that the act of taking a selfie while driving may take a minimum of 10 seconds, in the brief time it takes to pose, snap, and review that photo, a vehicle traveling at highway speeds will cover over a tenth of a mile. That means that the driver is not intently watching the road for well over the length of a football field. Additional time and distance is lost if the driver then posts that photo to social media while driving as well. This irresponsible, reckless behavior can have catastrophic results, including car accidents and even wrongful death.
Legal Repercussions for Taking Selfies While Driving
Courts have recognized the significant risk posed by distracted driving and have not hesitated to hold drivers responsible when the proof demonstrates that their smartphone use contributed to an accident. The “selfie” taken by the distracted driver would likely be a very compelling piece of evidence used against them.
Drive Safely – Don’t Take Selfies While Driving
This disappointing trend of selfies while driving can be curtailed through public safety campaigns and through your own intervention as well. Should a friend post a “driving selfie” on social media, consider encouraging him or her to remove the photo and reminding them of the danger of the activity.
If you have been injured in an accident involving an individual taking selfies while driving, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney quickly. Social media posts can be used as compelling evidence, but these posts may be deleted. Consulting an attorney promptly is imperative in order to ensure that important evidence is obtained and preserved.
Looking for trusted personal injury attorneys in Albany, Johnstown, Saugerties, Amsterdam, Catskill, Gloversville, Hudson or the Capital District region of Upstate NY? Look no further than Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto. The skilled personal injury lawyers on our team are experienced in handling a variety of personal injury cases. They can help you fight for the compensation you are entitled to following a catastrophic injury or accident caused by the negligence of others.
Contact Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto at (800) 721-3553 or schedule your free consultation online today.
