Is Live Streaming the New Driving Distraction?

If your smartphone is sitting nearby, pick it up. Tap on the Facebook icon and open your feed. Look there at the bottom (or, on Android, at the top in between the Newsfeed and Marketplace icons). You will notice a circular icon with a triangle pointing to the right or, as you’re used to it being so-named, the play button. That is the icon that will let you know when one of your Facebook “friends” is or has been live.

Live videos are quickly gaining popularity on Facebook. People are no longer happy sharing photos of their pets, their meals or their significant others. The newest trend is to take live video during which people can respond with emoticons and comments. While these live feeds may be safe to record in the privacy of your own home or while sitting in a public location, many are taking to streaming video while they are driving. Facebook Live is on its way to becoming the newest hurdle to eliminating distracted driving.

Recently, a man in Rhode Island streamed himself traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. He was speeding through traffic when he crashed into a median and then into a garbage truck. The video cut out after the man struck the median. What wasn’t seen was the driver being extricated from his severely damaged vehicle. Luckily, the man is recovering from the injuries he sustained.

In a separate incident, an 18-year-old was driving too slowly and streaming on Facebook while operating her vehicle. The passenger in her car, a 19-year-old, could be heard asking, “Are you going live?” just before the vehicle was struck in the rear by an 18-wheeler that couldn’t stop. What followed the question was flashing lights, the sound of screeching tires and several minutes of silence. The truck driver was not injured, but both women were killed instantly.

Smartphones are an essential piece of daily life for many people. The thought of leaving a phone at home or having a dead battery are enough to send some into a panic. While smartphones can be useful, they can be deadly as well. Just think of how many drivers you have been irritated by, only to pull next to them and see them behind the wheel with smartphone in hand. Now imagine how easily that person’s distracted driving could have done more than cause you a moment’s annoyance.

You may think that you can’t live without your smartphone, but if you use it for things like streaming, texting and emailing behind the wheel, you may not be able to live with it. There is nothing so important that it cannot wait until you arrive at your destination.

If you are involved in a car accident due to distracted driving in Charlotte, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, property damage and more. Call our experienced team of car accident attorneys today and schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation. We will review the details surrounding your accident and help you determine if you have a case.