Texting is the New Drunk Driving
A recent article showed that texting might lead to an unprecedented number of head and neck injuries every year. This has led some people to view it as “texting is the new driving under the influence.” Over the past few decades, there has been a tremendous amount of attention paid to the dangers created by driving while intoxicated. Unfortunately, another threat seems to be on the rise.
Even though mobile phone use while driving, particularly texting, has been a focus of regulatory authorities for years, experts believe the threat extends beyond this arena. According to research, even texting while walking can be dangerous. As a result, everyone needs to be aware of the dangers that can be created by the use of cell phones. In some cases, this can lead to severe injuries.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
The primary danger of cell phone use still occurs behind the wheel. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) released new figures from 2017. Their numbers show that over 3,100 died this year alone as a result of distracted driving. While the vast majority of these individuals were motor vehicle occupants, close to 20 percent were actually pedestrians, cyclists, and other individuals who were not behind the wheel of a car. Experts warn that this problem is only going to grow since more than 95 percent of people in the United States own a smart device.
Texting is Explored in a Research Paper
A team of medical researchers conducted a thorough study looking at two decades’ worth of data from emergency departments. Their findings were published in the Journal of Academic Medicine (JAMA). The team analyzed ED visits between 1998 and 2017, looking at the incidence, type, and mechanisms of head and neck injuries. They were looking for a pattern between the injuries and the use of cell phones.
The medical scientists found that more than 2,500 people between the ages of 13 and 29 visited emergency departments during this time with head and neck complaints that were related to cell phone use. The researchers estimated that more than 76,000 in the United States suffered a mobile device-related accident or injury during these 20 years. This figure is startling and serves to highlight the dangers that are created by texting.
The Distribution of the Injuries
According to the study, the most common injury was a laceration, which was suffered in about a quarter of cases. About a third of the injuries involved both the head and neck, leaving individuals at risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury. Nearly one out of every eight injuries involved the neck directly, which might have included the spinal cord. These are serious injuries that might lead to long-term complications.
The researchers also found that the rate of head and neck injuries related to cell phones has increased sharply during the past twenty years. The scientists believe that the device is a distraction. Many of the injuries suffered by teenagers and young adults are related to texting while walking. People might not notice if they are about to walk into an object, step off the curb, or cross in front of traffic.
This is one of the first studies to take a look at texting-related injuries outside of motor vehicles. More information is needed on the long-term complications and outcomes of these accidents. The hope is that, in the future, these injuries can be avoided.
Watch YouTube Video: Texting While Driving Changed Liz Mark’s Life – This heartwarming video tells the story of a young girl who’s life changed forever after being involved in a texting while driving accident.
Sacramento Car Accident Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Car Accident Injury Lawyer. Texting while walking or driving can be hazardous. If someone you know has suffered a severe injury in an accident, please reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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