DUMMIES BEHIND THE WHEEL OF SMART CARS
The Miami Car Accident Lawyer, Jonathan Perazzo shares insight on Smart Car and Dumb Drivers
Are Smart Cars Making Drivers Dumb? Crash Test Dummies Behind the Wheel of Smart Cars?
A nationwide survey of over 1,000 licensed drivers aged 18+ aimed to uncover whether smart cars equipped with modern automotive gadgets—such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)—are making drivers complacent and more prone to risky behaviors. The results reveal a concerning trend: drivers of smart cars are taking more risks, particularly when it comes to negligent cellphone use. Many drivers admit to texting, video chatting, and using apps while driving, despite the presence of these advanced safety features.
According to the survey, over 60% of drivers using ACC and/or LKA engage in texting while driving, and more than 50% interact with social media behind the wheel. This negligence leads to dangerous distractions, which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), contributed to 3,166 fatalities in 2017 alone. In Florida, distracted driving resulted in over 50,000 accidents, making it one of the top states for distracted driving incidents, second only to Louisiana. Data from EverQuote shows that 92% of U.S. motorists admit to using their cellphone while driving.
Despite these troubling statistics, experts, including the assistant vice president of State Farm’s Enterprise Research department, emphasize that technologies like ACC and LKA are designed to assist—not replace—drivers. The goal is to enhance roadway safety, but human negligence still remains the leading cause of accidents. The ongoing construction around Miami, coupled with chaotic traffic conditions, makes driving more hazardous. Ironically, smart cars and smartphones are contributing to dumber, more distracted driving. To stay safe, motorists are reminded to let their cellphones “ride shotgun”—and not in their hands.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident caused by negligent cellphone use in Miami, or any other city in Miami-Dade or Broward, Perazzo Law urges you to contact us ONLINE or call (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE consultation. At Perazzo Law, we offer ZERO-OUT-OF-POCKET fees for our personal injury clients.
Texting and Driving Laws in Florida
Texting and driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents today, and Florida’s roads are not immune to the dangers. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Florida’s governor recently signed a bill allowing authorities to stop motorists spotted texting and driving. Previously, texting and driving was illegal, but officers couldn’t pull over violators unless another infraction was committed. In 2018, there were only 1,700 citations for texting while driving.
The new law, effective January 1, 2020, allows officers to ticket drivers caught texting, with fines starting at $30 plus court fees. Repeat offenders face points on their license and even suspension. This law aims to educate motorists on the dangers of distracted driving and to reduce accidents caused by texting behind the wheel. However, drivers can still use their phones for GPS, checking weather updates, and receiving emergency notifications.
Pedestrians at Risk from Negligent Motorists
Negligent cellphone use while driving isn’t just a danger to other motorists—it also puts pedestrians at serious risk. In Miami, pedestrian accidents have been on the rise, with Florida ranking second in the nation for pedestrian fatalities. Video chatting, texting, and social media interactions while driving increase the chances of striking a pedestrian.
Pedestrians hit by moving vehicles often suffer severe, sometimes fatal injuries, including brain trauma, broken bones, and permanent disabilities. These injuries can lead to devastating medical expenses, loss of income, and long-term impairment. Pedestrian accidents caused by distracted drivers highlight the urgent need for both drivers and lawmakers to prioritize public safety on Miami’s streets.
If you, a friend, or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a distracted driver in Miami or any of the cities we serve in Miami-Dade or Broward counties, Perazzo Law is here to help. Contact our North Miami Beach office ONLINE or call (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE consultation. We offer NO WIN, NO FEE legal representation for Florida residents involved in car accidents.
Smart Cars: A Double-Edged Sword?
While smart cars are packed with innovative safety features like ACC and LKA, they come with their own set of challenges. These technologies are designed to improve driving safety, but they can also give drivers a false sense of security, leading to increased distractions. As smart cars continue to evolve, it is critical that drivers remain vigilant, using these features as aids rather than replacements for their own attention and responsibility.
However, smart cars also offer potential benefits. As more vehicles adopt advanced technologies, including crash-avoidance systems and self-driving capabilities, the future could see a reduction in human error—the primary cause of most accidents today. That said, the road to fully autonomous vehicles is still long, and until then, it’s essential for drivers to maintain focus and resist distractions like cellphone use.
At Perazzo Law, we’re committed to protecting your rights and helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm has extensive experience handling accident claims related to distracted driving, and we work tirelessly to secure justice for our clients.
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Striving to be the best car accident lawyer in Miami, Jonathan Perazzo, personal injury attorney in Miami and founder of the Perazzo Law Firm, understands that the moments after a car accident that leads to injury, can be daunting for car accident victims. That is why, it is fundamentally important to contact a trusted and dedicated Miami car accident lawyer following an accident.
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