It is well known that using a cell phone while driving is dangerous, yet many of us who hit the road regularly see drivers talking and texting behind the wheel. According to a recent study that discusses actual numbers to put things into perspective, texting while driving has a real impact on U.S. roads and highways.

Here’s what the study says:

• In a study from the National Safety Council, researchers estimated that 21 percent of all traffic collisions were attributable to cell phone use. Because they also found that texting while driving contributed to an additional 6 to 16 percent of collisions, researchers suggest that one-third of all auto accidents involve cell phones.

Although the study is new, its findings are what researchers and safety experts have been saying for years. Take a look at a few eye-opening statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Statistics from 2013 show that 3,154 people were killed in auto accidents involving distracted drivers.
• Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) have noted that texting while driving is the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it takes a driver’s manual, visual, and cognitive attention off the road.
• VTTI researchers have also noted that headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use of a cell phone.

Texas remains one of the few states in the nation to prohibit texting and the use of cell phones for all drivers (however, there are certain laws prohibiting school bus drivers and novice drivers from using devices). Although it may not necessarily be illegal in Texas just yet, texting and cell phone use behind the wheel is widely known to be dangerous and negligent. This accepted fact enables victims injured by distracted drivers to pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing lawsuits.

At The Daspit Law Firm, our Corpus Christi auto accident attorneys help victims and families after they have suffered losses in car wrecks caused by distracted motorists. If you believe a driver was distracted at the time of your crash, contact our firm to discuss you case and how we may be able to help you.