Cell phone use is very common among teenagers and adults. According to a recent study, nearly 70% of US adults have a cell phone, and about 9% of drivers age 18 or older admit to having used their cell phones while driving. These numbers are concerning because it is known that using a cell phone while driving puts you at increased risk for an accident. Discussed below are some reasons teenagers and adults should refrain from cell phone use while driving.

1. Cell Phones Cause an Increase in Fatigue

Using a cell phone while driving causes you to become exhausted due to the mental and physical effort you put into using your phone. You may be driving, but you may not be truly present at the moment. This is especially true when using a cell phone while driving at night or in poorly lit areas. If you need to make a serious call or chat, it is better to stop at a gas station or store.

2. Cell Phones Can Lead to Distraction

If you are on the road for long periods, it is easy to get distracted by something happening around you. This can include things like other drivers who drive too close to your vehicle, children playing near roadsides, or any number of other distractions that can occur. Cell phones may also be a major cause of distraction.

3. Cell Phones Can Lead to Accidents

Using a cell phone while driving can lead to accidents because drivers may be distracted by trying to read their screens or send a text message while they are driving. This can cause drivers to become emotionally involved in something other than the road and end up causing an accident.

What to Do in Case of An Accident

Suppose you are involved in an accident due to driving while on your cell phone; you will likely want to contact the police. You should also contact your insurance company to investigate the accident and possibly make a claim for damages.

How to Prevent Accidents

If you are worried about driving while on your cell phone, there are several things you can do to help prevent accidents from occurring. The first step is always to ensure that you have a hands-free device and that it is turned on whenever you use your phone while driving. You should also avoid using your phone when it is raining, night, or low visibility. If you do need to use your phone while driving, try to keep it below the level of your dashboard so that it does not distract you.

What to Do If You Are Told You Were at Fault

When stopped by police and asked if you were using your phone while driving, you should always be honest. If you are using your cell phone while driving, you will likely have to pay a fine and possibly lose your license as well. If you were using your phone at the time of the accident, you might need to hire a Colorado car accident attorney. If the officer determines that you were not using your phone at the time of the accident, they may decide to let you off with a warning instead of charging you with a crime.