Posted in: | Mar 04,2019
It’s not only motorists who benefit when states pass legislation designed to prevent motorists from using cell phones while driving. Studies show that these laws also result in a reduction in the number of motorcyclist fatalities.
The results of a recent study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine found that in states that have moderate to strong laws limiting the use of cell phones while driving, the motorcycle accident fatality rates were as much as 11 percent lower than in those states that did not have such strong legislation.
The researchers were trying to understand how anti- distracted driving laws can help save lives in all types of traffic accidents. They found the results inconclusive when it came to reducing traffic fatalities overall, but the researchers found a definite reduction in the number of motorcycle fatalities in states that that imposed strong laws against cell phone use while driving.
It makes sense that laws that strictly restrict the use of cell phones while driving would have a positive impact on motorcyclist safety. After all, inattentive or distracted drivers are a major threat to motorcyclists. A driver who is inattentive or distracted on his cell phone is much more likely to make a sudden left turn or an unsafe lane merge, threatening motorcyclists around him. Left- turn motorcycle accidents, involving motorists who make a sudden and unexpected turn in front of the motorcycle, are very common and very serious. These are often caused by inattentive or distracted drivers.
A motorcyclist’s safety depends on motorists around him staying in their lanes, staying at safe speeds and avoiding driving errors. It’s more likely that a motorist who is distracted on his cell phone or other technologies in his car would be unable to employ safe driving practices.
Technology can be a major motorist safety threat, but it can also help motorists regulate their own driving behaviours. If you are unsure about your ability to avoid taking cell phone calls or reading messages while driving, use technology like cell phone blocking features or apps to ensure that you are not distracted while at the wheel.
The Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers at Montross Miller represent persons injured in motorcycle accidents across Indiana. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to file a claim for damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss how you can begin the process of filing a claim.
