In 2023 there are many technological advances that assist us in our day-to-day lives. We are reliant on our smartphones, we use GPS devices to navigate, and we have access to media at all times. Modern-day busy-bodies may be tempted to text, email, or take calls while driving. Despite these activities being against the law, it is not uncommon to see drivers participating in cellular activities while operating a motor vehicle.
Careless driving laws in Ontario encapsulate all activities in which a driver is paying attention to anything other than the road. In addition to the use of a mobile phone or GPS, these laws include eating and drinking.
Distracted driving can lead to devastating accidents and serious injuries and impairments. It is taken very seriously in the courts and can greatly impact the outcome of a personal injury case. Distracted driving has proven to be as harmful as impaired driving in terms of motor vehicle accidents, with road accidents as a result of distracted driving doubling since 2000.
According to CAA polling, 47% of Canadians admit they have typed out or used the voice-memo feature to send a message while driving. Canadians have placed texting while driving as their biggest threat to their safety on the road. Testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off of the road for five seconds. At 90 km per hour, that is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. According to the National Safety Council, the use of mobile phones while driving cause 1.6 million crashes annually. Why take that risk?
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, we strongly encourage you to avoid the temptation of being a distracted driver. If you have to take a call while driving, utilize Bluetooth technology to take the call hands-free. Keep your phone out of reach to avoid checking incoming notifications. The fines and penalties associated with distracted driving are severe. The risk of causing injury is significant.
If you are the victim of a collision at the fault of a distracted driver, we are here to help. Despite distracted driving being a relatively new area of law, we are prepared to take quick action to protect the records that support your claim. In obtaining witness statements, cell phone records, and data records, we will prove that the distracted driver caused your injuries.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, contact us at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.