Using Snapchat while driving puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk for car accidents that cause serious injuries or death. The social media app contributes to distracted driving. It also encourages people to drive at high-speeds and participate in other dangerous behaviors while behind the wheel.
Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps on the internet. There are more than 100 million active Snapchat users every day. The app has attracted over 30 percent of U.S millennials. As the app’s popularity continues to grow, accidents are increasing among this age bracket.
What attracts many people to Snapchat while driving?
Like many other picture-oriented social media apps, Snapchat users often take pictures and videos of themselves and their surroundings to share with friends. Snapchat has a feature that makes these posts disappear after a short while, so users are more inclined to take extreme selfies and share their pictures or videos without worrying about long-term consequences on the internet. Special filters, updates, and even trophies allow users to customize their snaps, share real-time data, and compete with each other, making the app more like a game.
Unfortunately, many people keep using the app even while driving. A driver only needs to take his or her eyes from the road for a few seconds for an accident to happen.
Using the phone while driving
The law forbids using the phone while driving and slaps hefty penalties on those convicted of phone-related distracted driving. Distraction.gov claims that drivers below 30 make for over 25 percent of victims of distracted driving accidents. Over 40 percent of these accidents are severe with many victims losing their lives or becoming physically incapacitated.
Sue for damages caused by distracted driving
The law of torts covers personal injury or wrongful death caused by reckless driving. One can sue the distracted driver for damages if involved in an accident with a snapchatting driver. While there are no class action lawsuits resulting from the rise in Snapchat-related accidents as yet, victims can still get compensated for injuries caused by careless driving by the party at fault. The injured party can recover compensation for loss of income, cost of medical care, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and more.
