For years, texting while driving has been regarded as one of the most dangerous actions a person can take while operating a motor vehicle. A new ad by Volkswagen highlighted the dangers of driving while distracted by putting unsuspecting moviegoers “behind the wheel,” then sending them a text message.
New Ad Creates Awareness of Dangers of Texting and Driving
As movie attendees at the MCL Cinema in Hong Kong sat down to watch their film, an advertisement filled the screen. Rather than containing words, the ad was simple: filmed from within a car, the ad showed a vehicle making its way down a road.
As the car continued to drive, a location-based broadcaster sent a text message to the audience. In that instant, the moviegoers reacted to their phones’ text alert, just as the vehicle on the screen crashed, shattering the windshield and causing obvious damages. The shocked audience was then met with the words on the screen: “Mobile use is now the leading cause of death behind the wheel. A reminder to keep your eyes on the road.”
The ad sent a powerful message to those who viewed it, taking your eyes off the road for even a second can be deadly.
Danger of Texting and Driving Not Exaggerated
While critics of the ad may claim that texting while driving isn’t nearly as dangerous as Volkswagen presents, they couldn’t be more wrong. An April 2013 report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving, and that more than 3,300 people were killed, and an additional 387,000 were injured, in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, text messaging while driving creates a crash risk that’s 23 times greater than driving while not distracted.
Texting and Driving Laws in Pennsylvania
Reading, sending, or creating a text-based communication message while operating a vehicle in Pennsylvania is illegal, and is punishable by a $50.00 fine. When a driver operates a vehicle while texting – or is otherwise distracted – and causes an accident, he or she is in violation of the law, and may be held liable for any property damages or injuries sustained.
If a driver who was distracted by texting in Pennsylvania has injured you, the law is on your side. If you can prove that the driver was texting while driving, and that this action was the immediate cause of your accident, you may be able to recover compensation. Depending upon your insurance policy and the extent of your injuries, compensation may include damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Injured in an accident by a distracted driver? A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by a driver who was distracted by texting, a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can help you. If you want to file a personal injury claim for damages, you have two years from the date of your injury to do so, according to Pa. Const. Stat. Section 5524. The attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC, are ready to help you begin filing your claim for damages today.
The seriousness of texting and driving highlighted by the Volkswagen ad in Hong Kong is accurate – texting while driving can lead to devastating accidents and injuries. If you’re the victim of an accident caused by texting, call our law offices now for answers to your legal questions about your options moving forward. Our legal team can be reached today at 215-642-2335.
