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Cell Phone Addicts are the New Drunk Drivers

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Peter J. Gregory
Apr 14, 2019
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  According to the National Safety Council, every day, at least 9 Americans die and 100 are injured in distracted driving crashes. A recent study of driver data highlights just how big a problem distracted driving has become, concluding that "Phone addicts are the new drunk drivers.”

The study found that these “phone addicts” are incredibly dangerous behind the wheel.  On any given trip, they physically touch their phones 4 times more than the average driver, and their eyes are off of the road for 28% of their time spent on the road.  This presents an imminent danger to all drivers on the road, because in the few seconds you look at your phone on the highway, your car will have traveled hundreds of yards.

As with other groups of dangerous drivers, many phone addicts believe they aren't a problem, with 93% describing themselves as "safe" or "extremely safe,” and the continued increase in unsafe driving comes despite stricter laws in many states.  Under New York State law you cannot use a hand-held mobile telephone or portable electronic device while you drive, with penalties including fines and 5 driver violation points. 

Following a car accident, it is important to consult with a lawyer to address issues such distracted driving and cell phone use. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, please contact us to learn more.

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About the author:  Peter J. Gregory is a partner with the firm.  He is a trial lawyer with extensive experience resolving disputes in state and federal trial courts. His personal injury practice focusses on advising clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in accidents caused by the carelessness or recklessness of others. Please feel free to contact him directly at pgregory@mccmlaw.com or (585) 512-3506.

This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues and constitutes attorney advertising. The content should not be considered legal advice and readers should not act upon information in this publication without individualized professional counsel.


About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.