Personal Injury Law

Cell Phones and Car Accidents: Jarring Statistics

I've been preaching about the perils of cell phone usage and, in particular, text messaging, because it is clear that cell phone usage causes car accidents. There is a bit of hypocrisy in this. I use the cell phone in the car. I justify this because I keep both hands on the steering wheel while using my Bluetooth. But, arguably at least, the problem is the conversation itself, which means I might be rationalizing when, in fact, I'm no safer than anyone else. Adding to the hypocrisy: I don't talk on the cell phone when my kids are in the car.

Anyway, the Washington Post today offered data that estimates the tab for cell phone usage: 342,000 auto accident injuries and $43 billion each year in property damage, lost wages, medical bills and fatalities.

Full post as published by Maryland Injury Lawyer Blog on August 13, 2009 (boomark / email).