A distracted driver holding a smartphone while operating a vehicle, illustrating the dangers of texting while driving.

How the Use of Cell Phones Has Changed Driving

March 27, 2021/Kendall Law Group LLC

Over the past few decades, cell phones have become an integral part of our lives, transforming how we communicate and navigate daily tasks. However, with this evolution, cell phone use has introduced significant safety concerns, especially when it comes to driving. What started as a tool for emergencies has now become one of the leading causes of distraction behind the wheel, contributing to countless accidents and fatalities every year.

The Evolution of Cell Phones and Driving

The dangers of using cell phones while driving were first noted in the late 1990s. In 1997, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that using a cell phone while driving could quadruple the risk of a collision. This was when cell phones were still relatively basic, used primarily for calls. Over time, as cell phones evolved into smartphones with texting, internet access, and apps, the risks associated with their use behind the wheel grew exponentially.

By the early 2000s, cell phones had become commonplace, with more than 180 million Americans owning one by 2004. As mobile devices became more advanced, so did the distractions they posed. Checking emails, navigating using GPS, and scrolling through social media are just a few of the tasks drivers now perform while on the road, further increasing the risk of accidents.

Distracted Driving and U.S. Laws

In response to these growing dangers, states across the U.S. began implementing laws to restrict cell phone use while driving. These laws vary from state to state, with some prohibiting the use of handheld devices altogether and others placing restrictions based on driver age or experience.

In Kansas and Missouri, for instance, laws prohibit texting while driving for all drivers, but only drivers under 21 are banned from using a handheld phone while driving. Despite these laws, enforcement remains a challenge, and compliance isn’t always consistent.

What Is Distracted Driving?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving. Distractions can be classified into three categories:

Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road.
Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving.

Using a cell phone while driving is particularly hazardous because it often involves all three types of distraction. Whether it’s reading a text, handling the phone, or engaging in a conversation, each of these activities pulls the driver’s focus away from the road, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

The Impact of Cell Phones on Driving Behavior

Cell phone use directly impacts a driver’s reaction time, awareness of their surroundings, and ability to make sound decisions while driving. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in devastating consequences, especially at high speeds.

Texting: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions because it requires drivers to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers who text are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who are focused on the road.
Multitasking: Many drivers believe they can safely multitask, but research shows this isn’t the case. Even seemingly simple tasks like checking a map or selecting music can lead to slower reaction times and impaired decision-making.

With smartphones providing constant access to social media, apps, and the internet, the temptation to use them behind the wheel has only grown. The rise of smartphones has exacerbated the issue of distracted driving, making our roads more dangerous.

The Alarming Data on Distracted Driving

The statistics on distracted driving are alarming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving contributes to over 25% of all highway collisions in the U.S. In 2008, distracted driving led to over 500,000 injuries and more than 6,000 fatalities. As smartphone use has grown, so too have these numbers, with cell phone use now being one of the primary contributors to road accidents.

Real-World Examples of Distracted Driving Tragedies

Sadly, the dangers of cell phone use while driving are not theoretical. There are countless stories of lives lost or forever changed due to distracted driving:

In 2006, two scientists in Utah were killed when a 19-year-old driver, distracted by texting, crossed the centerline and collided with their vehicle head-on. This tragic incident highlights the life-threatening dangers of even a few seconds of distraction.
In another case, a truck driver distracted by his phone caused a severe accident, resulting in a $5.2 million settlement after one of the victims underwent an arm amputation.

These examples underscore the devastating consequences of distracted driving, particularly when it involves cell phones.

Are Hands-Free Devices a Safer Option?

Many believe that hands-free devices offer a safer alternative to holding a phone while driving, but the reality is more complex. While hands-free devices eliminate the need to physically hold a phone, they still require a significant amount of mental focus. Studies show that cognitive distractions, even when hands aren’t involved, can impair reaction times and decision-making just as much as using a handheld phone.

A study by the University of Utah found that drivers using hands-free devices exhibit reaction times similar to those of drivers with a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit. While hands-free devices may reduce the risk of manual distraction, they are not a foolproof solution.

The Role of Parents in Preventing Teen Distracted Driving

Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distractions behind the wheel, and parents play a critical role in helping to prevent this. By setting clear rules and modeling good behavior, parents can significantly reduce the likelihood of their teens using their phones while driving.

Many insurance companies and schools also offer educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving among teens. However, parental involvement remains one of the most effective deterrents.

Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving

Using a cell phone while driving doesn’t just put lives at risk—it can also have serious legal consequences. Many states impose fines and penalties for drivers caught using their phones while driving. In some cases, repeat offenders may face harsher consequences, including license suspension. Additionally, if a distracted driver causes an accident, they can be held liable for the damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Moving Forward: The Future of Safe Driving

Cell phone use has fundamentally changed how we approach road safety. While technology offers undeniable conveniences, it also introduces significant risks. The only way to make our roads safer is by raising awareness of these dangers and encouraging drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.

Kansas City Auto Accident Injury Trial Lawyers

At Kendall Law Group, we believe that safe driving starts with personal responsibility. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to a distracted driver, our Kansas City Auto Accident Injury Trial Lawyers are here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process and work to get you the compensation you deserve.