Smartphones in the workforce are causing an increase in distracted driving motor vehicle accidents in Georgia and across the U.S., according to a new report. The information was gathered by Motus, a company that provides mileage reimbursement and driver management technologies for businesses and commercial fleets.
In its “2018 Distracted Driving Report”, Motus found that the percentage of mobile U.S. workers with smartphones jumped from 55 percent in 2013 to 77 percent in 2017. During the same period of time, auto accidents increased from 5.7 million to 6.4 million. A research analyst for the company said that the results show a “clear correlation” between the increase in smartphone ownership in the mobile workforce and the spike in car crashes.
Motus researchers analyzed data and found that mobile workers take 49 percent more car trips than any other type of U.S. worker. They also used the data to estimate that the average mobile employee drives around 1,200 miles while distracted each year. They further discovered that in-vehicle cellphone use is highest between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., which happens to be when mobile workers are on the go. Finally, the report estimated that employee car accidents cost employers approximately $4,400 per each employee who drives his or her personal vehicle to complete company business.
Distracted drivers who cause car accidents could be held accountable in court. With the help of an attorney, individuals injured in a distracted driving crash could file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver. This type of legal action could help the victim obtain a financial settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other accident-related damages.
Source: Business Wire, “Car Accidents Increase 12.3 Percent with the Rise of the Always-Connected Mobile Workforce, Finds New Motus Distracted Driving Report“, Sept. 20, 2018