Survey Finds That Laws Against Cell Phone Use While Driving Are Largely Ineffective

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 8, 2013

Although Orlando personal injury lawyers such as James O. Cunningham and other attorneys throughout Florida have strongly supported a ban on cell phone use while driving, Florida remains one of the few states in the country without laws banning the practice. However, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cell phone use by drivers is common whether a state has laws preventing it or not.

In their 2010 survey, the NHTSA polled 6,000 people nationwide aged 16 or older to determine how state laws affected their cell phone use while behind the wheel. Using the results from the survey, they found that at any given time, at least 660,000 drivers in the U.S. are talking, texting, surfing or otherwise distracted by their cell phones while they are behind the wheel. This is despite numerous well-publicized studies about the dangers of cell phone use while driving and public information campaigns to discourage distracted driving.

"There is no way to text and drive safely," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Powering down your cell phone when you’re behind the wheel can save lives — maybe even your own."

As of spring 2013, 38 states have enacted at least one law banning cell phone use while driving, but the NHTSA survey found that these laws have had little impact on the numbers of drivers who talk, text and surf while driving. This has raised both consternation and concern at the NHTSA and other traffic safety organizations, and policy makers are searching for new ways to get drivers to change their behavior.

Despite the results of the survey, Mr. Cunningham and other Orlando distracted driving accident lawyers are continuing to urge state lawmakers to pass substantive bans against cell phone use by drivers. If such laws save one life or prevent one catastrophic injury, then they are well worth the effort. If you or a member of your immediate family has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver and you would like to explore your legal options, call 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Cunningham. Cell phone use while driving is grossly negligent whether state legislators consider it illegal or not, and the victims of these drivers are still entitled to fair and just compensation for their injuries. Call Mr. Cunningham today for effective and experienced legal representation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.