The hashtag #whiledriving shows a disturbing trend
One of the more idiotic and dangerous trends to develop recently is the hashtag #whiledriving.
Erie Insurance, a Pennsylvania insurance company, published a study of social media data showing a surge in the use of the hashtag, reflecting a growing number of drivers who pull out their phones, take a picture, and post it to Twitter and Instagram – all while driving. Most of the posts were photos of nature, clouds, a sunset, traffic, and selfies.
The top U.S. states with the most posts using #whiledriving were:
- California
- Florida
- Texas
- South Carolina
- New York
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Colorado
- Nevada
No selfie or picture of the sunset is worth putting your life or someone else’s life in danger. Talking or texting while driving is bad enough, though the habit persists presumably because of a sense of urgency attached to communication. Taking and uploading photos while driving defies all logic. It is pure selfishness. In 2014 alone, 430,000 people were hurt and over 3,100 were killed in accidents involving distracted drivers, and drivers’ propensity for distraction only seems to be growing worse.
What are the distracted Driving Laws in PA?
In Pennsylvania, distracted driving citations increased by 43% from 2014 to 2015 statewide. In our home of Lackawanna County, the number of distracted driving citations skyrocketed from 32 to 115.
As our lives become ever more distracted by a constant flow of media and communication, it is more important than ever to remember that some things, like driving a car, deserve our full attention. There is no such thing as multitasking behind the wheel – any activity that takes your eyes, mind, or hands from the task of driving puts you and other innocent people in danger. Every text, call, update, and notification can wait until you pull off the road or reach your destination.
If you or someone you love have been hurt in a car accident, you may be legally entitled to receive compensation to pay for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our office or fill out our email form, and we will review the details of your situation at no charge. Our initial consultations are free, and we never collect a fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
Posted in Car Accidents.
