Driver distraction is a common risk factor in car accidents. There are different types of driver distraction, usually divided into whether the distraction source is internal to the vehicle-such as tuning a radio or using a mobile phone or external to the vehicle, such as looking at billboards or watching pedestrians. With the numerous sources of driver distraction, mobile phone usage is the most common source of distraction.
Research from a number of countries suggests that the proportion of drivers using mobile phones while driving has dramatically increased over the past 5-10 years, with statistics ranging from 1% to up to 11%. Mobile phone usage while driving can cause drivers to take their eyes and mind off the road, causing accidents.
Playing games on cell phones while driving is much worse than texting while driving, since the games require constant feedback from the driver. Here are the most common mobile games that cause distracted driving accidents.
Common Mobile Games that Cause Car Accidents
1. Pokemon Go
Played by over 15 million players each day, Pokemon Go is the leading cause of distracted driving accidents. A new study in the US suggests that more than 110,000 accidents in a period of 10 days have been caused by playing the game. The game involves players searching for virtual creatures which appear projected onto the real surrounding. Pokemon Go is quite unsafe while driving as it causes drivers to become distracted.
2. Fortnite Battle Royale
It’s no surprise that Fortnite Battle Royale is a leading cause of distracted driving accidents. Needless to say, the game is quite addictive and involves a 100-player battle royale on a small island. Players fight it out on the island by collecting gears, vehicles, and weapons. The winning player is the last person standing—the game causes immense driver distraction leading to accidents.
3. Critical Ops
Critical Ops is fairly a new mobile game but has greatly contributed to distracted driving accidents. Drivers and pedestrians are easily distracted by this game, which involves battling terrorists in various city settings. The game can be played online and has a strong online multiplayer community, which is the key reason it contributed to distracted driving accidents.
4. Chess Tactics Pro
Who doesn’t love to play chess? Mobile chess games such as the Chess Tactics Pro are key contributors to distracted driving accidents. Chess Tactics Pro features a tone of chess puzzles, including offline puzzle packs, daily online puzzles, and more. Drivers are always distracted, but trying to figure out their next moves while driving, can lead to an accident that can be severe.
5. Candy Crush Saga
With over a billion downloads, Candy Crush is indeed among the most popular mobile games. The legendary puzzle game is loved by millions of players around the world who are sort of addicted to it. The game involves matching three or more candies in a row to proceed to the next level. Players are required to solve puzzles with quick thinking and smart moves. The game has earned rave reviews on app stores. It’s no surprise that this game is a major cause of a distracted driving accident with a high addiction level.
Seek Legal Representation
Distracted driving accidents can have enormous impacts on your life, some of which can last a lifetime. Drivers who choose to play mobile games behind the wheels break the law by breaching their duty of caring for pedestrians and other road users. Therefore, they may be held liable for injuries or death caused if they’re involved in an accident.
Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by the negligent actions of a distracted driver in Atlanta. In that case, you can seek legal representation from a car accident lawyer in Atlanta. An experienced and qualified car accident lawyer can help you get compensation for the damages caused as soon as possible.