We know well that addictive behavior can cause people to drive even when they know it isn’t safe. For decades, drunk driving has taken thousands of lives and put many people in the hospital. Often, the root of the problem is addiction.
Alcohol is not the only addiction today’s drivers have to contend with, however. Experts warn that cellphones can also be addictive.
For instance, did you know that one study claimed college students went on their smartphones for roughly nine hours each and every day? That’s more than a traditional workday in the United States. It’s longer than your recommended hours for sleeping every night.
“People can be addicted to behaviors,” warned one professor who had studied it. While cellphones may not offer the exact same addiction as alcohol or other drugs, people can get hooked on them so that they feel like it is really impossible to set them aside.
You may have seen this in action. A driver has the cellphone in the cup holder in the car. While driving, they hear that phone buzz. They weren’t planning on texting and driving, but they can’t resist picking it up to see who sent them a message. It doesn’t matter that they know it’s dangerous or that they know that text isn’t all that important. The addiction is so strong and they’re so used to answering instantly that they do it without thinking.
Have you been hit by a driver who was distracted while driving, perhaps due to cellphone addiction? If so, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Contact an experienced Easton distracted driving accident lawyer to learn more.
