Personal Injury Law Blog

Pedestrian deaths throughout the United States reached a new record high in 2022. While several factors contribute to these fatalities, one major link is the corresponding rise in cell phone distraction among drivers. 

Cell Phone Distraction Increases Among US Drivers

For many years, researchers could only estimate the connection between distracted driving and roadway deaths. In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 3,308 people died in distracted driving crashes. However, the agency notes that its count may be low since it’s often difficult for law enforcement to prove that a driver was distracted before a crash. 

As technology has improved, however, so has our ability to track distracted driving. A study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) used mobile phone sensors, in-car cameras, and other technologies to track driver behavior for several years. 

CMT discovered a disturbing trend: Between 2020 and 2022, drivers picked up their phones and used the screens more often while driving. These behaviors increased by 20 percent during the study years. CMT reported that “drivers interacted with their phones on nearly 58 percent of trips in 2022.” In more than 33 percent of cases, users were on their phones while the vehicle was traveling over 50 miles per hour. 

US drivers are also more distracted by phones than drivers in other countries. CMT calculated that drivers spend about 2 minutes per hour on their phones while driving, compared to just 44 seconds per hour for UK drivers. 

Pedestrian Deaths Continue to Rise Nationwide

The rise in driver cell phone use parallels a rise in pedestrian deaths in the United States. 2021 saw the highest number of pedestrians killed on US roads since 1981. In  2022, 7,508 pedestrians died in roadway accidents, a total of 42,975 roadway deaths that year. 

The United States consistently posts higher traffic death rates than similarly-developed countries. In recent years, US roadway deaths have been 50 percent higher than rates in similar countries. Distracted driving, roadway design, a trend toward larger vehicles, and inconsistent traffic safety enforcement all play a role in this rise in roadway deaths. 

CMT noted that while both cell phone distraction and pedestrian deaths increased in the US in recent years, neither factor increased much for European drivers. This finding indicates that reducing cell phone distraction is key to reducing pedestrian deaths on US roads. 

Solutions for Distracted Driving and Pedestrian Deaths

As distracted driving and pedestrian deaths continue to rise, so do proposed solutions. Many tech companies, for instance, advocate for technology that prevents drivers from using their phones while driving. 

In 2017, for example, Apple introduced a feature that put the driver’s cell phone in “do not disturb” mode automatically when the driver was behind the wheel. However, this feature is little used by drivers, who found it very easy to disable. 

Many states have responded to these numbers by passing distracted driving laws. Currently, 44 US states have at least one distracted driving law, and 27 states have banned hand-held cellphone use behind the wheel. Enforcement of these laws remains inconsistent, however, and even hands-free cellphone use can distract drivers. 

Individual driver behavior plays a key role in reducing distraction and pedestrian deaths. Meanwhile, pedestrians face an increased risk of death or serious injury from distracted drivers. 

What to Do If You’re Injured by a Distracted Driver

Whether you’re walking, bicycling, or in another vehicle, you may be injured by a distracted driver on the road. If you suffer an accident:

Make safety your priority. Move vehicles out of the way of traffic, if possible. Do not move a critically injured person, but do use lights, bright colors, and other warnings to alert oncoming traffic.

Call 911. Emergency first responders can provide essential medical treatment, gather important information at the scene, and take other necessary steps to protect those involved in the crash. 

Gather information if you can. If possible, take photos, draw a diagram, or take notes at the scene. Write down what you remember about the collision while it’s still fresh in your mind. Gathering contact information from any witnesses can also help you protect your legal rights and respond to information requests from insurers, law enforcement, and other parties. 

Get medical attention as soon as possible. If your injuries are severe enough, emergency medical personnel may take you to an emergency room for treatment. If you aren’t transported to a hospital, see a doctor as soon as possible. You may need to go to an emergency room or urgent care center if your symptoms become severe. 
Talk to an attorney. An experienced Illinois distracted driving lawyer can help you seek compensation and protect your legal rights after a pedestrian accident. Your lawyer will gather evidence, deal with insurance claims, and fight for your rights while you focus on recovery.