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Video Calls and Distracted Driving Crashes

In recent years, the dangers of distracted driving have become major concerns for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and law enforcement officials across the country, especially with the rise of smartphone technology and other distracting electronic devices. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), cell phone use behind the wheel is one of the leading causes of distracted driving wrecks in the United States, and phone use causes visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all at the same time. Indeed, in recent years, the NSC reports that the “percentage of drivers manipulating hand-held electronic devices has increased by 127 percent.” Recently, zooming while driving has become another significant causal factor in distracted driving collisions.

Zoom, and other apps that provide platforms for video calls, are being used by drivers in Louisiana and across the country. According to data from Business Wire, the use of Zoom grew significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and drivers have continued to take video calls on the road. What do you need to know about distracted driving crashes caused by Zoom and other video call apps? Our Shreveport distracted driving attorneys can say more.

Zoom Distracts and Causes Concentration Problems After Use

Over the last three years, many Shreveport residents were forced to familiarize themselves with Zoom for work during the pandemic. While life has largely returned to a new kind of normal, many employers still require employees to use Zoom, and many people still use the app to make video calls. Video calls are also popular through FaceTime, which is available on Apple devices. While Zoom and FaceTime make face-to-face conversations possible, they also cause serious distractions on the road.

Not only do Zoom and FaceTime create serious distractions for drivers who are attempting to use these apps on the road, but data reported by Business Wire suggests that motorists also have trouble concentrating after getting off a Zoom call. To be sure, about 54 percent of Americans surveyed reported that they have “trouble concentrating” after engaging in any kind of video chatting. The report describes these drivers as “Zoom zombies” who may be at risk of causing a serious wreck.

Liability for Video Calls and Distracted Driving Crashes

Recognizing these hazards, some states like Illinois have explicitly banned Zoom and other video calls while driving. Although Louisiana does not have one of these laws in place, you may be able to hold a driver liable for a distracted driving crash if they were on a Zoom call at the time of the wreck or shortly before.

If you believe a driver was video chatting and caused a crash, you should seek legal advice.

Contact a Shreveport Distracted Driving Injury Lawyer for Assistance

Distracted driving often involves technology, including a range of electronic devices. At the same time, it is important to remember that distracted driving wrecks can result from other types of distractions, too. If you or someone you love got hurt in a crash involving a distracted driver, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as you can.

The experienced Shreveport distracted driving attorneys at Rice & Kendig, LLC know how devastating these types of crashes can be, and we are here to help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and seek financial compensation for your injuries. We will obtain the police reports, medical records, and related evidence that will be crucial to your case. Contact us today to find out more about the services we provide to injury victims in motor vehicle collisions in Louisiana and to their families. Our firm is here to help.

Sources:

injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/distracted-driving/

businesswire.com/news/home/20210406005760/en/Beware-of-the-Zoom-Zombie-54-of-Americans-Who-Drive-After-Video-Chatting-Report-Trouble-Concentrating

wkfr.com/zoom-distracted-driving-law-illinois-michigan/

By Rice & Kendig, LLC | Posted on February 14, 2024

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