Social Media has exploded in the last few years. Having the ability to communicate with literally millions of people around the world in a split second on your phone show how far we've come in technology.
However, there are also severe downsides to the frequent use of these social networking sites. While the invention and utilization of social media is simply awesome, the accessibility has perhaps become far too easy.
These amazing gadgets, provide easy access, erase unnecessary boredom and provide for hours of fun. However, the need for access, to erase boredom or have “fun” should not be an endeavor while one is driving a car.
Indeed, use of social media while driving constitutes a threat to everyone on the road. Anyone think this is a good idea????? Distracted driving is dangerous. Plain and simple.
A survey done by AT&T has found that 7 out of 10 individuals use their smartphone while operating a vehicle. This is called “distracted driving”. It involves talking, texting, surfing the web, video chats and taking selfies. The study found that the social networking sites commonly used by people behind the wheels are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
Meanwhile, an in-depth study done by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Wokingham, Berkshire suggested that thousands of drivers are now accessing social media on a daily basis in real life.
According to lead researchers, people who use their smartphones on the move spend up to 60 percent of their time looking down on the gadget instead of focusing their sight on the road. This is enough to miss a vehicle braking or swerving in front of you as well as debris on the road and other hazards.
For this reason, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) which commissioned the study called on the government, phone manufacturers and social network providers to take more action to highlight the risks involved.
The lawyers here at Zachar Law Firm agree. These roadway distractions remain to be a top cause of accidents everywhere in the world. We find evidence that some people never learn their lesson, and despite being in a crash, continue to be careless while on the road. Some statistics show that the use of mobile phones (including taking selfies) and social media while driving has caused 80 percent of major traffic accidents in the country.
Interestingly, there are new mobile apps that have been developed by tech companies, which lock the mobile phone while a vehicle is moving. Here they are:
Apps that block texting while driving
Cellcontrol (For Android™ and iOS)
Drive Safe Mode (For Android and iOS)
Everyone, pay attention to the road. Keep the social media for the times when you are not behind the wheel. Be safe.