As more handheld electronic devices hit the market, and more people use them, collisions caused by distracted drivers continue to rise. In 2011, 3,331 people lost their lives in a distracted driving crash —up from 3,267 the prior year. Another 387,000 people were injured in a distracted driving crash. To put those numbers in perspective, almost one of every five accidents listed distracted driving as a contributing factor.

The numbers are even scarier for younger drivers because they are more likely to use a cell phone while driving. Younger drivers are less experienced and therefore less able to handle “multi-tasking” while driving.

A recent poll conducted by Bridgestone Americas, one of the world’s largest tire companies, highlighted the danger of mixing teen drivers and handheld electronic devices. The national poll asked 2,065 drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 about their driving behaviors.

The poll results showed the following:

• 45 percent admitted that they were receiving texts or e-mails while driving
• 95 percent are likely to talk on the phone without a hands-free device when alone in the vehicle
• 10 percent said that they posted to social media sites while operating a vehicle and almost as many (9 percent) admitted to browsing social media sites while driving.
• Four percent confessed to posting or editing pictures while two percent admitted to watching a video or movie while behind the wheel of a vehicle

The results of the Bridgestone poll show that additional efforts are needed to help spotlight the dangers of distracted driving. Additional information about distracted driving can be found on the National Safety Council website as can the Pledge to Drive Cell Free which can be used by parents of teenage drivers.

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, or have lost a loved one as a result of one, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss. While no amount of money can bring back a loved one or erase the physical and emotional pain suffered in an accident, the law does provide compensation for victims and their families.

Contact the New York/New Jersey distracted driving accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., to find out what legal options you may have. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 for your free consultation or fill out our online contact form.