We all know about the dangers that distractions while
driving can cause. People usually think of these distractions being texting or
talking on the phone. But the latest driving distraction craze is that more and
more drivers are getting distracted by taking “selfies.” Selfies, short for self-portraits, have become
a cultural phenomenon that has become very popular mainly among young people
who use social media. With the development of more social media over the years,
selfies are just about everywhere you look while on the web or on social media.
And now that phones are being built with impressive cameras, people are taking
more pictures with their phones than with an actual camera. This is why taking
selfies while driving has increased, because people always have their phone at
hand. Most people aren’t carrying around cameras. Therefore, this just adds to
yet another distraction that cell phones have while driving.
These selfies are being snapped and uploaded to Instagram,
Snapchat, Facebook and other social media outlets. Even if you are taking one
of these self-portraits while stopped at a red light, you are being distracted
from paying attention to your surroundings and when the light turns green.
In a study conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists
in Britain, which is like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
500 drivers of all ages were asked about how they use their cellphones while
driving. One in five drivers admitted to taking a selfie in the car. The study
found that motorists between the ages of 25 and 35 are more likely to snap
these photos while on the road. Women took car selfies at a much lower rate
than men, surprisingly. One in eight men had taken selfies in the car while
only one in twenty women had. While selfies may seem more common on social
media among women, it’s possible they are less likely to take them on the road
because women tend to drive more carefully than men.
Although the study was conducted in the U.K, the trend of
distracted driving stretches around the world. According to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving car accidents
injured 424,000 people in 2013 and caused 3,154 deaths. AT&T launched an
anti-distracted driving campaign earlier this year, saying that a recent study
revealed seven out of 10 people engage in smartphone activities while behind
the wheel. It’s safe to say these activities include picture-taking.
So if you think about snapping one of these selfies next
time you’re driving, remember that it can wait. That selfie taken by you while
driving could come back and haunt you if you get involved in an accident. It is
simply not worth it.
If you or someone you know has been
involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren,
Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton,
Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in
Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling
1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident
can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly
for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to
your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on
Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
