Iowa residents and many other Americans own smartphones, and smartphone use has been linked to an increase in motor vehicle accidents. According to research by Motus, smartphone ownership has increased from 55 percent in 2013 to 77 percent in 2017. During that time, car accident rates have increased by 12.3 percent. Mobile workers are partially responsible for this increase as they drive 49 percent more than the typical American.
Furthermore, they drive 1,200 more miles while distracted compared to other drivers. The hours between 2 p.m and 4 p.m. are when most mobile workers are driving, and this is a period of time during which phone use while driving is highest. However, the morning and afternoon commute periods see a general increase of phone use while driving. Overall, Americans drive 107 billion miles per year while distracted by their phones.
If an employee is in a car crash, the employer could experience a variety of losses. On average, employees who drive their own vehicles while distracted cost their companies $1,680. That number increases to $4,400 when a grey fleet member is in a car crash. Car crashes also cost employers 1.65 million work days during 2017. Employers may want to consider having their employees take driver safety courses to teach them proper driving habits.
Individuals who are car accident victims may incur many different types of financial damages. For instance, they could lose out on wages while recovering from their injuries and have to pay significant medical bills. Those who incur medical bills after a car crash that was caused by the negligence of another motorist might want to have legal help when seeking appropriate losses.