What are some Causes of Distracted Driving?
It’s hard to listen to the radio for any interval of time without hearing about the stark reality of just how dangerous reckless driving is. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association, driving while distracted is at least as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, so why do so many people do it?
Nowadays, everyone has so many responsibilities, and “multitasking” has become a solution for many people, though it may not be safe, especially while driving. One of the biggest distractions that’s already been covered by us as well as the media in general is texting. There are some other fate-tempting distractions, and we’ll take a look at them here.
Interpersonal Distraction (Your Passengers)
Having additional people in the car, even if they are family or people the driver knows very well, can significantly distract all drivers, but especially younger ones. The danger of having an accident skyrockets per additional young person in the car. More recently, many states like California and Virginia have passed laws that limit the amount of other young people novice drivers may have in their cars at once, in the interest of curtailing these accidents.
Like a car accident lawyer would probably tell you, there is no person other than the driver and his/her passengers who can make it a safe and quiet atmosphere, allowing for safe driving.
Keep in mind that if you are driving a car, you are legally responsible for any accidents you’re involved in, even if it’s caused by your passengers making a racket. Never hesitate before asking passengers to quiet down whatever they are doing to lower the chances of you crashing; it’s simply not worth it.
Parents and Kids in the Car
Young drivers aren’t the only ones predisposed to bad accidents. Parents driving with younger children can be thrown for a loop, leading to an accident, if precautions are not taken. If you’re in charge of caring for a young child while driving, double check the child is securely fastened into the seat.
A child struggling out of protection measures can wreak havoc as the parent drives and simultaneously tries to placate and re-secure the child. To this end, parents may wish to consider teaching children to remain quiet while in a car by providing them with other things to do.
Other Distracting Driving Causes
Unfortunately, curbing accidents is not as dangerous as putting down your cellphone (otherwise, we may not even need car accident lawyers!). One bane of some drivers, especially people who drive professionally and have a lot of ground to cover each day, is food. Ranging from a greasy hamburger to a juicy pear, every food is a different type of dangerous while driving.
Even while driving alone, loud music can also prove to be a big distraction. With this, you may not be able to hear sirens, or you may even find yourself focusing more on the music than on the road! Of course, it’s only normal to want to listen to some music when you drive, but make sure you do so safely! Never wear headphones while driving, since it’s illegal in some states, and it’s dangerous everywhere. Play music quietly enough that you can hear what’s going on around you and can focus on getting to your destination safely!
The Bad and the Ugly Truth – Distracted Driving Statistics
It is no surprise that being involved in a car accident by someone who was driving while distracted can have serious, even fatal, consequences. Unfortunately, each year the numbers are on the rise. From 2012 until 2018, there were approximately 23,000 fatalities from car accidents that involved a distracted driver, according to the NHTSA.
It has been shown that your eyes leave the road for an average of 5 seconds while texting. If you were traveling at a speed of 55 miles per hour, that is the length of an entire football field!
Your Rights After an Accident Involving a Distracted Driver
If you, or someone close to you has been involved in a truck, motorcycle or car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact a professionally licensed car accident lawyer at Hutzler Law today! We are here to help. Our accident attorneys will help guide you through the tough process and stages what to do after an accident. Even if you were the passenger in an accident and in the same vehicle as a distracted driver, you have certain entitlements to compensation as well.
Jason Hutzler
Jason Hutzler is the founding partner of Phoenix personal injury law firm Hutzler Law, and represents individuals throughout Arizona. His practice is primarily dedicated to personal injury and car accident claims, leveraging his deep expertise as a former insurance adjustor to navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations.