Distracted Driving Causes Deadly Car Accidents
We are a society of multitasking--rarely do we ever focus on one thing at a time. Studies have shown that the human brain cannot actually multitask efficiently, meaning that even if you think you are paying attention to more than one thing at a time, you are not. This is why is it so dangerous for drivers to pay attention to anything other than the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving leads to more than 420,000 injuries and 3,100 deaths each year across the United States. It is important to realize that distracted driving causes car accidents and is something that can be easily prevented.
External and Internal Distractions
Distractions can be classified into many different categories, and one of them is based on whether or not the distraction is inside or outside the vehicle. Many people think that distractions only take place inside a vehicle, but many things outside a vehicle can also divert your attention. External distractions can include:
- Crash scenes
- Billboards
- Emergency vehicles
- Other motorists
- Pedestrians
- Animals crossing your path
- Anything else that catches your eye outside of the vehicle
Internal distractions are things that are inside of your vehicle that take your attention off the road. Internal distractions can be things such as:
- Other riders in the vehicle
- Adjusting the radio, air conditioner, or mirrors
- Checking a cell phone
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Picking an object up off the floor
Visual Distractions
Anything that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road can be classified as a visual distraction. These types of distractions can come from inside or outside of a vehicle. Visual distractions include:
- GPS devices
- Cell phones
- Checking your reflection in the mirror
- Checking on a child in the back of the car
- Looking at a distraction outside the vehicle
Manual Distractions
These kinds of distractions occur when a driver takes one or both of their hands off the wheel. Manual distractions can include:
- Smoking
- Adjusting the seat
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or other controls
Cognitive Distractions
These types of distractions are not necessarily ones that take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Cognitive distractions are those that take your mind off the road, which can be just as dangerous. Types of cognitive distractions can include:
- Personal problems, such as problems at work or in relationships
- Financial problems
- Daydreaming
- Audio distractions, such as the radio or conversations with other passengers
Talk With an Experienced Kane County Personal Injury Lawyer
Distracted driving is deadly, but it can be easily prevented by just paying attention to the road. Sadly, thousands of people will be the victims of car accidents involving distracted drivers. Not giving one’s full attention to the road is an act of negligence, and it can be a major factor in car accident lawsuits. If you have been injured in a car accident involving a distracted driver, you should get help from an Aurora car accident attorney who has significant trial experience. The experienced team at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. can help you fight for your rightful compensation. To begin discussing your case in a free consultation, call our office at 630-907-0909.
Sources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/812407-distracteddrivingreport.pdf
https://www.dmv.org/distracted-driving.php
