Distracted driving is not a new phenomenon in the U.S., it has only transformed. Years ago, makeup in the mirror, hot coffee in the cup holder and eating breakfast on the way to work, all while trying to answer the car phone, kept drivers’ eyes—and attention—off the road.
Fast-forwarding to today, and as if we need more; texting, social media, smartphones, satellite radio, and tablets now also grapple for a drivers attention in Colorado and across the nation.
The latest fad, however, is not something we ever saw coming, but is extremely dangerous.
Many of you engaged in social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter are aware of the dreaded “selfie”.For those who have not yet been exposed to this term, a “selfie” describes when teens—and yes, sadly, even adults—take a picture of themselves and post it to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.
However, shockingly, “selfies” are becoming a major problem on roadways across the United States, especially among teenage drivers.
According to a recent KSHB article, it’s not hard to do your own research to see the trend growing. Type in “#driving” into your computer or cellphone, and you’ll get more than three million Instagram pictures taken by drivers—while they are behind the wheel!
As experienced auto accident injury attorneys in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we know all too well how distracted driving can ruin lives. As such, this is a truly troubling fad. Additionally, while there are multiple campaigns currently spreading across the country and Colorado to combat texting and driving, I am not aware of any campaigns aimed at “selfies.” Maybe, if this trend continues and receives enough attention, mechanisms will be put in place to combat this dangerous behavior.
If you have teenagers, please take the time to discuss the danger of this act, as well as all phone use when driving. It only takes seconds for an accident to occur, but the effects will last throughout the lives of all involved.
If you have been injured in an auto accident in Colorado due to a distracted driver, contact an experienced car accident injury attorney today.
