Driving While Distracted (DWD)

With cell phones and driving, we have a new term called Driving While Distracted (DWD). Using cell phones while driving is already illegal in many states across the country. This is due to the high number of auto injuris that result from drivers who were distracted by talking or texting on the cell phone. Nationwide Insurance has published some not-so-surprising statistics related to DWD.

In a 2008 survey by Nationwide Insurance, 67 percent of people admitted to using a cell phone while driving. That means that roughly 2 out of every 3 drivers on the road are using their cell phones while driving. The number one source of driver inattention is use of a wireless device, according to Virginia Tech researchers. As a result, driving while distracted is a factor in 1 out of every 4 police reported crashes.

A 2005 controlled study of Australian drivers found that cell phone users were four times as likely to get into an accident serious enough to injure them. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that phone conversation tasks typically decrease reaction times, travel speeds, and increase lane deviations and steering wheel movements.

Drivers on cell phones cause serious auto injuries. If you or someone you know was injured in a car wreck due to the other driver being distracted with a cell phone, call WOL+MED today. We can help you. Our medical doctors are auto injury experts. If you think you need a personal injury attorney, we can also help you find the right lawyer for you. You need a doctor who can help you with all of your auto injury concerns. We can help you. We want to be your doctor.