Car accident victims can suffer serious injuries, some of which might alter their lives forever. One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving claimed more than 3000 lives in 2021. While the ability to multi-task is considered a valuable skill, when you are behind the wheel, your focus should entirely be on the road. Even a momentary lapse of focus or concentration can have devastating consequences. Continue reading to learn more about what makes distracted driving a leading cause of accidents and personal injuries.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Most people think distracted driving is using a cell phone or eating behind the wheel. However, distracted driving can be anything that keeps you from paying full attention to the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated distracted driving into three categories:
- Visual: Anything that takes your eyes away from the road is visually distracting. This could be looking at the GPS, using a cell phone, checking out the scenery, changing car controls, or rubbernecking an accident.
- Manual: Manual distraction is when you remove your hands from the steering wheel. For example, eating, changing the radio station, or trying to find something with your hands would be a manual distraction.
- Cognitive: Cognitive distraction is when your mind is off driving. For example, if you are daydreaming, talking, or just thinking about something else, that is considered a cognitive distraction.
What Makes Distracted Driving So Dangerous?
Safe driving requires paying attention to the traffic, emergency events, or potentially hazardous objects. As vehicles travel at high speeds, any collision can cause severe injuries, such as traumatic brain or spinal injuries. In some cases, the severity of the collision can also cause fatalities.
The increase in cell phone use while driving has resulted in more distracted driving cases. When a driver is using their cell phone, their response time is significantly reduced.
With distracted driving, the driver not only puts themselves in danger, but all road users are at risk. According to a study by Virginia Tech, every two seconds of distraction doubles the risk of a car accident. For example, if a vehicle is moving at 55 mph, it can cover the entire football field in five seconds. A lot can go wrong in that distance on the road.
How Can an Attorney Help?
If you suffered an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to compensation for your suffering. This includes damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s best to get an attorney involved in the process as early as possible. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate through the legal proceedings and offer expert advice on how to maximize your compensation. They can also handle communication with the insurance company and assist you in gathering evidence to strengthen your case.
