Unfortunately, there are many people still texting and driving and using their cell phones to talk, email, browse social media sites, and even search the Internet from the drivers’ seat. Although there have been many campaigns aimed at educating the public about the dangers of cell phone use behind the wheel, many drivers feel like they can safely navigate the roads while using their cell phones—especially when it comes to hands-free cell phone use.

What many drivers don’t realize is that any activity that causes them to take their minds off driving, hands off the wheel, and eyes off the road—including texting and talking on a handheld or hands-free cell phone—can lead to car accidents. In fact, a recent report by the National Safety Council (NSC) states that cell phone-related collisions increased for the third year in a row.

The report shockingly revealed that 27 percent of all collisions in 2013 were caused by drivers texting and talking on cell phones. More specifically, 21 percent of collisions (1.2 million accidents) nationwide during that year were caused by drivers talking on handheld and hands-free cell phones, and six percent of crashes (341,000 collisions) involved drivers text messaging.

The details of the NSC report reveals that people are indeed still using cell phones behind the wheel of moving motor vehicles, and this activity has led to auto accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

As injury lawyers who have represented many victims of distracted driving accidents, we encourage you to share this information on Facebook so that you can help encourage your friends and family to avoid using their cell phones in the driver’s seat.