Too often, I see auto accident cases related to cellular phone usage in my Phoenix personal injury law practice. These days, texting and driving have become a very common occurrence. At almost every stoplight, you are sure to catch another driving typing away on their phone. This is not just teens, but  adults too. This could be attributed to smartphones becoming more accessible and widespread. Arizona is one of the 9 states yet to make an anti-texting and driving law. Not only could this law save lives and create a safer environment, but it could lower insurance premiums for everyone.

In 2011 alone, 1.3 million crashes occurred due to distraction by mobile phones. The real problem could be that more than half of teens and adults feel as if they can safely and confidently drive while their cell phones are in use. Even “hands-free” systems which use bluetooth to connect cellphones to the car's speaker system, are not safe. Any activity which causes the driver to take their eyes off the road is dangerous. http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811884.pdf

According to a CNBC report , texting and driving is more dangerous than drinking and driving. When driving with a BAC of .08, your reaction time is significantly better than driving while sending a text It takes .54 seconds to break when driving without any distractions. When sending a text you add 70 ft before a complete can made. Surprisingly, when drunk you only add 4 ft.

Jay Ciulla is a Phoenix, Arizona attorney who helps people with accident, personal injury and wrongful death cases. Call 602 495 0053 for a free consultation.