Numerous studies have found that texting and cell phone use while driving are a major cause of highway accidents.  A University of Utah study estimated that a driver talking on a cell phone is four times more likely to be involved in an auto crash than a driver not using the phone. When a driver is texting, the likelihood of an accident increases by six times.  Because of this, the National Safety Council (NSC) is calling for a nation-wide ban on the use of cell phones and other messaging devices while driving.  Cell phone use while driving is legal in Georgia.
  
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), 80 percent of crashes result from driver inattention.  Sixty-eight percent of rear-end crashes are caused by distracted drivers.  
   
Common causes of driver distraction include
    
• Cell phone use, texting, or the use of other electronic devices

• Tuning the radio or adjusting the heat

• Eating, drinking, smoking

• Picking up something from the floor

• Reading, writing

• Grooming

• Arguing with another passenger

• Dealing with children
  
With distracted drivers on the road, even the safest driver may not be able to avoid an accident.  If you or someone you love has been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, call the car wreck attorneys at Kaufman Law toll free at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free consultation.