People have greatly benefited from phones. While they were once only used to help people communicate across great distances, they now help people access a large database of information. Unfortunately, phones have also created an undesirable effect: addiction.
Phone addiction is an obsessive compulsion that plagues almost half of all Americans. As a result, people become overreliant on their phones, which can lead to anxiety, isolation and neglect. Many people don’t realize just how dangerous phone addiction is since it’s a newer trend.
As another effect, phone addiction can also make roads more dangerous. Here’s what you should know:
The correlation between phone addiction and distracted driving
Anything that causes someone to look away from the road or take their hands off the wheel is considered a distraction, such as phone use. Someone who is distracted while driving may be more likely to cause an auto accident.
Phones are so distracting because manufacturers and developers often use small techniques to draw people’s attention to their phones. Phone addiction may increase a driver’s desire to look at their phone when they receive calls, texts and notifications. Younger drivers who don’t realize the dangers of phone addiction may also be more likely to cause auto accidents.
How drivers can prevent distracted driving accidents
People are noticing that phone addiction is a big issue. Drivers who want to avoid distracted driving accidents can turn on silent mode, which helps reduce the sound from notifications.
Manufacturers have also noticed that drivers become more distracted when they hear their phone chime. Some phones now have “driving mode,” which automatically silences calls and texts until a vehicle is no longer in motion.
Reducing notifications while driving often isn’t enough to combat distracted driving accidents. Many people suffer from severe injuries and losses because of distracted drivers. Victims may need to learn about their legal options to receive compensation for their medical bills, funeral costs and vehicle repairs.