The Danger Of Taking a “Selfie” Behind The Wheel
According to Devon County Council’s 2014 Road Safety Year End Report, road traffic accidents involving the most serious injuries are rising and have done so for the last three years.
80% of the factors that contribute to these collisions are related to driver or rider behaviour and, when examined further, the top 10 factors reveal errors and lapses which we can control and reduce.
Driving is one of the most dangerous things that people do and yet many of us don’t take it seriously enough. Using a mobile phone, even hands free, means a driver is 4 times as likely to have an accident. Research by the RAC has shown that using a mobile phone whilst driving can be more dangerous than being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Motorists are putting lives at risk, including their own, as the craze for taking “selfies” hits the road. Taking your eye off the road, just for a second, to read an alert or take a photo can have potentially fatal results.
In a recent survey, one in nine (11%), admitting to taking photos of themselves whilst driving despite warnings on the danger of using mobile phones. They also admitted to using social media sites such as Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
The practice of taking “selfies” whilst driving has been condemned as recklessly, risky and selfish by road safety charity, Brake. Brake spokeswoman, Laura Woods, said “Using a phone in any way at the wheel dramatically increases the risk of crashing and killing or seriously injuring someone. It is worrying to see the number of drivers engaging in this dangerous behaviour, particularly young drivers who are already at a higher risk of crashing due to their age and inexperience”.
If you have been the victim of another driver’s negligence or reckless behaviour it is always advisable to instruct a solicitor to assist you in bringing a claim for compensation. As well as claiming compensation a solicitor can also assist in arranging services such as physiotherapy to aid your recovery.
Often your insurer will put you in touch with their panel solicitor but you are not obliged to use them and can choose your own solicitor.
At Wolferstans we have a dedicated team of lawyers experienced in dealing with road traffic accident claims.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and would like further information about making a claim please contact Karen Walker on 01752 292265.
If your claim is already being dealt with by your insurer’s solicitor and you are unhappy with their service then you may be able to transfer your claim.