Despite significant efforts made to inform the public of the dangers of distracted driving, many motorists continue to engage in this hazardous behavior, putting all other drivers on the road at risk. In some cases, motorists appear to believe they are capable of multitasking while behind the wheel. In other situations, the drivers may believe their distracting behaviors are not as dangerous as others.

According to a recent study - published in the International Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management - men are more likely to text while behind the wheel than women. The researchers found that four out of every five college students texted while on the road. The male college students were more likely to engage in this behavior, justifying their actions by explaining that they were good drivers. The researchers concluded the male motorists were less likely to understand the risks associated with their actions.

In another study conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, researchers compared the hazards associated with texting behind the wheel and using voice-to-text systems to send messages. Many people use these systems, such as Siri, to communicate while driving, believing they are safer than sending a written message.

According to the research, however, using voice-to-text technology is just as dangerous as sending a written text message while driving. In both cases, motorists are distracted from the road by engaging in the process of sending a message, increasing the risk of a motor vehicle accident.

Take precautions to avoid a distracted driving accident in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, motorists are prohibited from engaging in certain types of dangerous behaviors while on the road.

For instance, all motorists are prohibited from texting while behind the wheel in Rhode Island. In addition, bus drivers and novice drivers are banned from using a cellphone of any kind, including those with hands-free capabilities, when they are driving.

These measures were enacted in an effort to reduce the number of people killed or injured by distracted driving accidents each year. In 2011 alone, over 3,330 people lost their lives in such collisions in the U.S. and another 387,000 suffered injuries in distracted driving crashes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the damage caused in the collision. In such cases, seeking the counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will ensure that your rights are protected.