Distracted driving can take many forms, but one that’s often overlooked is the use of social media. Since social media combines photos, text, video, and real-time updates, it’s even more distracting than making a call or reading a text message. In fact, research conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory and the Institute of Advanced Motorists found that using social media while driving is three times more dangerous than drunk driving. 
How Social Media Can Cause Car Accidents
Anything that takes your eyes and mind off the road increases the risk of a car accident, but the unique nature of social media is especially problematic. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat, the most successful social media sites prime users to stay connected at all cost—raising concerns among many psychologists that social media may be psychologically addictive. This makes it difficult for some individuals to put away their phones when they are behind the wheel.
Social media use while driving appears to be more common among young people, which is probably because they are more likely than older adults to use the most popular social media sites. However, young people are also inexperienced drivers. The potential for errors made due to inexperience behind the wheel only increases when a driver is distracted.
In an attempt to gain new followers, reach a specific number of likes, or have their video go viral, some social media users may engage in dangerous stunts while driving. This includes everything from applying a full face of makeup while zipping down the interstate to car surfing or drag racing.
Have You Been Hurt by a Distracted Driver?
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver using social media, keep in mind that his or her posts can provide evidence to support your claim for damages. Even if the posts are later deleted, they can often be recovered by an experienced computer professional. Other forms of effective evidence in a distracted driving case can include witness testimony, surveillance video, and law enforcement reports.
Have You Been Injured In A Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Alexandria office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule your free consultation.