How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Texting and Driving?

In a single recent year, more than 3,300 people died in traffic accidents where distracted driving was a contributing factor, accounting for 8 percent of all fatal car crashes, according to national crash data. Of these fatalities, just over 400 reportedly involved cell phone use, representing less than 1 percent of all fatal car accidents.  

However, it’s important to note that there are major challenges to accurately determining the prevalence of texting and driving as a contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes. Since drivers rarely admit to using their phones, police-reported crash data often underestimates the role of distraction in motor vehicle accidents, and there is often insufficient evidence to confirm phone use. As a result, official car crash data likely does not fully capture the extent of the texting-while-driving problem. 

Key Statistics on Texting While Driving 

A recent national observational survey found that 2.1 percent of drivers at intersections used handheld phones at any given moment during the day. Combining observational data with self-reported information on handheld and hands-free phone use suggests that 6.4 percent of drivers used a cell phone at any moment during the day. 

According to a naturalistic observation study of over 3,000 drivers, physically using cell phones increases the risk of a car accident by two to six times. This is due to slowed reaction times, increased lane deviations, and increased time looking away from the road. 

According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), drivers’ use of handheld cell phones during the day has decreased in recent years. Despite that reduction in cell phone usage, handheld device manipulation, including text messaging, has increased by 82 percent in recent years. Fatal crashes caused or impacted by distraction have increased by 4 percent since 2013, with 12.1 percent of fatal distraction-affected crashes involving cell phone use in 2022. 

Distracted Driving Trends and Teen Driver Risks 

The highest rate of handheld device use while driving is among young drivers between 16 and 24 years old. Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distractions. In 58 percent of teen crashes, driver inattention or engagement in non-driving activities played a role, with 12 percent of these crashes involving cell phone use. Alarmingly, teen drivers using cell phones reportedly looked away from the road for an average of four out of the last six seconds before a crash. 

Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Maryland? 

Yes, texting while driving is illegal in Maryland. State law prohibits drivers from using their hands to manipulate a handheld phone while driving for any reason other than to initiate or end a call or turn the phone on or off. There are exceptions to this rule, such as for law enforcement personnel and drivers contacting emergency services. However, most drivers who violate Maryland’s texting-while-driving laws can face significant penalties, including fines. 

Real-Life Consequences of Texting Behind the Wheel 

Texting while driving can lead to severe real-life consequences. Drivers who text take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and minds off driving, increasing the risk of accidents and potentially causing serious injuries or fatalities. Texting while driving can also lead to costly fines, legal trouble, higher insurance rates, or even the loss of driving privileges. 

Our Lawyers Help People Hurt by Texting Drivers 

Have you suffered injuries in a Maryland traffic accident with a texting driver? The law firm of Cohen & Dwin, P.A., is ready to advocate for you and demand the financial recovery you deserve. 

Contact us or call (410) 593-1590 today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.