Smartphone usage while driving has been linked to a significant increase in distracted driving and car accidents. In Denver, specifically, the city has seen a steady increase in car accidents caused by distracted driving, with many of these incidents involving the use of smartphones.

This has led to a significant rise in the number of people who file a car accident lawsuit in Denver seeking compensation for their injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the dangers of excessive smartphone usage while driving and how it can lead to car accidents in Denver.

Let’s look at this!

Factors Contributing to Accidents

Auto accidents are caused by several factors, including those caused by smartphone usage:

Distracted Driving

The allure of smartphones often leads drivers to divert their attention from the road, focusing instead on their devices. Even a momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences.

Texting While Driving

Texting has emerged as one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. Composing or reading a text message significantly takes a driver’s eyes off the road, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Social Media Engagement

It is tempting to check social media notifications or post updates while driving, which poses a serious risk to road safety. Drivers may lose awareness of their surroundings, endangering themselves and others.

Impact on Denver’s Roads

The repercussions of excessive smartphone usage extend beyond individual accidents to affect the broader transportation infrastructure of Denver.

Traffic Congestion

Accidents caused by distracted driving contribute to traffic congestion, disrupting the flow of vehicles and leading to delays for commuters.

Safety Concerns

The prevalence of smartphone-related accidents has raised concerns about the overall safety of Denver’s roads, prompting authorities to take decisive action to address the issue.

Legal Implications

To combat the problem of distracted driving, legislators have enacted laws to restrict smartphone usage while operating a vehicle.

Hands-Free Laws

In Colorado, it’s illegal for those under 18 to use a handheld device while driving. Older drivers can only use hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth.

Liability

If you’re involved in a car accident caused by a driver who was busy on their smartphone, you may be able to recover damages from the crash. In such instances, seeking legal representation from an experienced car accident lawyer in Denver is crucial.

Ways to Prevent Smartphone-Related Accidents

The following measures can help reduce accidents caused by excess smartphone usage while driving:

• Turn Off Notifications – Turning off your phone’s notifications while driving can minimize distractions and enable you to focus entirely on the road.
• Use Hands-Free Technology – If you must use your phone while driving, ensure it’s through hands-free technology, such as voice commands or Bluetooth.
• Pull Over Safely – Pull over to a safe place if you have to answer a call or respond to a text.
• Spread Awareness – Enlighten others about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage them to prioritize road safety over smartphone usage.

Save The Day!

Excessive smartphone usage while driving is a growing problem that has caused a significant increase in car accidents on Denver’s roads. The convenience and entertainment provided by smartphones may seem harmless, but the consequences of using them while driving can be severe.

Distracted driving, texting, and social media engagement are all factors that contribute to these accidents. As a result, more and more people are seeking legal recourse through car accident lawsuits in Denver.

Drivers need to understand the dangers of excessive smartphone usage while driving and prioritize their safety and the safety of others on the road. The responsibility falls upon each individual to make a conscious effort to resist distractions while behind the wheel. Only then can we work towards making Denver’s roads safer for everyone. So, let’s put down our phones and focus on the road ahead.

Stay safe, Denver!

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com