It is not unusual to see drivers in Montana and across the U.S. looking down while they are behind the wheel. Obviously, they are frequently looking at their smartphones or some other device under the belief that they can multitask and do so safely. Texting and driving is just part of being a distracted driver and it is inherently dangerous. Studies are often done to try and explain this behavior. One study from Progressive Insurance came up with interesting results as to the mentality of people who text and drive. This can be beneficial after there has been an auto accident and the accident investigation shows that it happened because of a distracted driver.
The study states that approximately one-third of drivers think they can text and drive at the same time. This is despite their admission that distracted driving is the major cause of car crashes, and 90 percent think it should be outlawed. The age differences between drivers who express their positions regarding this matter is stark. Sixty percent of those who are 18 to 34 say that they believe they can text and drive safely. Less than 6 percent of those 55 and older say the same.
Statistics indicate that distracted driving is the cause of significant fatalities and injuries. In 2015, there were nearly 3,500 deaths. There were 391,000 people hurt in these crashes. These numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate the depth of the issue. Pointedly, teens comprised the highest number of those who were distracted when the accidents occurred. Gender lines were also prominent. Twenty-one percent of men say they believe they can text and drive safely, while only 11 percent of women said the same. The substantial majority - 88 percent of men and 97 percent of women - think that texting and driving should be against the law despite their beliefs that they can do it safely.
When there is a crash, those who were involved could have injuries that can cause extensive problems. There might be trouble getting back to work and functioning normally. There could even be fatalities. It is natural to automatically believe that a driver who made an inherently dangerous and inexplicable maneuver was texting or using a device. A legal filing might hinge on the accident investigation and, if it is found to have been due to a distracted driver, it is key to a case. Contacting and discussing the matter with an attorney experienced in car accident cases is the first step.