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Distracted driving a concern for mobile workers

On Behalf of | Sep 24, 2018 | car accidents |

Many people in Michigan know that distracted driving poses a major threat to the lives of others on the roads. However, with the growth in technological distractions, this type of dangerous driving continues to pose an increased threat. While many people picture teens texting while driving, a significant danger can come from always-connected mobile workers who do business from their cars. According to a study by Motus, accident rates are on the rise among people in this category alongside smartphone ownership and usage.

Today’s mobile workforce is highly connected and always available via email, text and a range of convenient messaging applications. Wherever they are with their smartphones, they can also be on the job. For drivers who already work on the road, this technology can ease their work but also push them toward driving while distracted. For example, the worst time of day for distracted driving is the early to mid-afternoon, a prime time for mobile workers’ routes. This concern is backed up by statistics. In 2013, 55 percent of mobile workers owned smartphones, a number that grew to 77 percent by 2017. In the same period, car accidents rose by 12.3 percent, from 5.7 million crashes to 6.4 million.

The study suggested that every mobile worker may travel around 1,200 miles each year while distracted. The threat of distraction is nothing new to mobile workers; eating or fiddling with the radio has long been a problem, but new technologies allow distractions to be more compelling and perhaps deadly.

People who have been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver might suffer severe injuries, lifelong disabilities and permanent effects on their lives. A personal injury lawyer may work with accident victims to seek compensation for their injuries, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.