Smartphones may be a huge part of our lives but the statistics show that it certainly isn’t smart to use them when we’re driving. Fatal crashes that have involved the use of a smartphone/mobile phone have risen by a staggering 29% according to recently released figures by the Department of Transport.
In 2012 there was a recorded 378 road accidents in the UK that have been attributed to the use of a mobile phone whilst driving. In 2013 this has risen to 422 and it will be interesting to see if this worrying trend continues.
It was way back in 2003 that using a mobile phone whilst driving was banned but it would appear that the punishment that is in place for such offences isn’t having the desired effect. Currently, if you are caught using a mobile phone whilst driving you face receiving 3 points on your licence, a £100 fine and maybe a disqualification. In a worse case scenario, if you cause the death of somebody due to using a mobile whilst driving, you may face a considerable jail 
sentence.
Experts estimate that your reaction time is 50% slower when using a mobile phone and that you are four more time likely to have a car crash. Even using a hands –free device has an impact on your reaction time.
Despite this, it would appear that usage whilst driving is on the increase and many of us can’t resist responding to a text or a phone call, irrespective of the potential dangers around us.
If you have been injured in a road accident where the driver has been found to be using a mobile phone then you will potentially have a strong case to make a personal injury claim. Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee personal injury advisors.