Across the country, personal injury lawyers have been asking people if they have been in a car accident that might have involved Snapchat, the photo-sharing messenger app.
According to WTKR, attorneys have begun setting up websites that help explain local laws to civilians on the subject of distracted driving. They have also issued press releases regarding Snapchat’s potential involvement in car accidents, and the dangers of using the app while on the road.
In and of itself, cell phone use is extremely dangerous while driving. In a given year, 10.3 million people drive while under the influence — experts say that distracted driving while texting is just as dangerous, if not worse. So on top of those 10.3 million, there are 663,000 drivers across the country that are currently using a mobile device while operating their car at the time.
And if you add an app that not only has you focus on the screen instead of the road but has a speedometer filter, it is a recipe for disaster. Statistics show that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death, and for adults between the ages of 20 and 24, these death rates are the highest. This puts the millennial, app-wielding generation at the highest risk of dying at the hands of distracted driving.
The personal injury attorneys are specifically taking issue with the “speed filter” that tracks how fast a person is traveling while a selfie is being taken. And because Snapchat pictures are temporary, lawyers feel that they are more dangerous.
It has been proven that if individuals are behind the wheel of a car and they want to view a Snapchat picture, 100% of their attention has been removed from the road.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver who has been playing with Snapchat or similar social media apps, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney to get the help you deserve.
