Have you heard about the newest trend of taking “selfies?” This is when people take a picture of themselves with the camera on their smartphones.  Mostly likely, you have heard about it.  In fact, you may even have taken a few selfies and posted them on your social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

However, this new trend is also the newest distraction for drivers, including Ontario drivers in Kingston, Ottawa and Whitby.  Drivers are taking selfies with their smartphones while they are driving, which may lead to serious car or truck accidents.

Driving Selfies on Social Media

There are thousands of posts related to driving selfies on various social media platforms. Take Instagram for example, there are about 3,700 posts under #drivingselfie, 1,900 posts for the plural #drivingselfies, and 9,700 posts for #drivingtowork.  Some users even add #Ihopeidontcrash in the driving selfie posts.  Driving selfies do not only appear on Instagram, there are also hundreds of images of driving selfies on Twitter.

Not only are drivers taking selfies while driving a car, they are also taking selfies while riding a motorcycle and even operating a plane.

Driving & Taking Selfies is Very Dangerous

Taking selfies is a very popular trend, especially for teens and young adults.  When drivers take selfies while driving, they are putting their lives and other innocent people’s lives at risk. Taking selfies while driving requires drivers to take one hand off the steering wheel, hold the smartphone in front of them, look at the camera and push the button to snap the selfie.

In addition, many drivers will also take pictures of anything they see that they think is funny while driving and share it on their social media profiles.

Taking selfies or funny pictures while driving may only take a few seconds, but it takes the driver’s eyes off the road which can and does lead to serious motor vehicle accidents.

Drivers who take selfies while driving may drive into on-coming traffic causing a head on collision or overcompensate a turn and lose control of their vehicles.

Toyota has even come up with an Instagram ad, “Don’t Shoot and Drive” to convey the message that drivers should not take pictures with their phones while driving.

Ontario Law – Using a Cell Phone or Smartphone While Driving

Pursuant to Ontario car accident law, Ontario drivers are not allowed to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices while driving.

Driving requires a driver’s full attention.  Resist the urge to check your phone the next time you get behind the wheel.  Better yet, turn off the phone while you are driving.  Distracted driving accidents are preventable.  Don’t put innocent lives at risk.

If you were injured in a car, bus or truck accident in Kingston, Ottawa or Whitby because of a distracted driver who was texting or taking a picture while driving, call the lawyers at Bergeron Clifford to explore your legal rights.  You shouldn’t have to suffer because of a driver’s carelessness. Call to schedule a FREE consultation. 1-866-384-5886.