Driving while distracted is very dangerous. Our firm has represented countless clients who have suffered injuries from distracted driving accidents. While many people only think of distracted driving as using a cell phone behind the wheel, there are other types of distractions that put you at risk for an accident. We want our clients to be informed of how they can increase their safety on the road.
Distracted Driving Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused nearly 3,500 deaths and more than 370,000 injuries in 2015 alone. It is estimated that there are 660,000 people using cell phones while driving at any time during the day. Furthermore, the National Safety Council reports that using a cell phone while driving results in nearly 1.6 million traffic accidents each year. With such shocking statistics, it is important to know exactly what counts as distracted driving so you can avoid a serious or even deadly crash.
There Are 3 Types of Distractions:
1. Manual Distractions
Manual distractions include anything that takes your hands off the wheel. While driving, it is important to keep both hands on the wheel at all times. If one or both hands are occupied with other things, your ability to make split second maneuvers will be impaired, putting you and your passengers at risk for an accident.
Types of manual distractions include:
- Searching your purse or wallet
- Reaching into the backseat
- Holding a drink or food
- Fiddling with A/C or radio controls
- Adjusting the GPS
2. Visual Distractions
Visual distractions include anything that takes your eyes off the road. While driving, lights can turn from green to red in just seconds, and cars could pull into your lane or brake suddenly in front of you. By having your eyes always scanning the road for obstacles, you can increase your safety and give yourself time to react to dangerous situations.
Types of visual distractions include:
- Looking at a GPS
- Gazing at the scenery
- Looking at other passengers
- Watching portable DVDs or entertainment systems
- Looking at anything other than the road
3. Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions include anything that takes your mind off of driving. These distractions are very dangerous, because many people may not realize they are distracted until it’s too late. It is important to be solely focused on driving to help prevent a crash.
Types of cognitive distractions include:
- Daydreaming
- Thinking about work or family issues
- Having a heated argument with a passenger
- Listening to music
- Thinking about something other than driving
The Truth About Cell Phones
Cell phones take your hands of the wheel, your eyes off the road, and your mind off of driving. Our minds are good at multitasking, but we are still unable to do two different things at once. Using a cell phone while driving is dangerous because it distracts you from the road.
If you need to check your phone, it is best to pull over in a safe area and park your car before using your phone. You can also have passengers check your phone so you can stay completely focused on driving. By avoiding distractions while driving, you do your part to make the roads a safer place.
Injured by a Drunk or Distracted Driver? Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. Is Here to Help.
At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we provide diligent legal services on behalf of injured clients. Our Woodbridge car accident attorneys are experienced, and will guide you through the process. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will file the necessary documents and tenaciously represent you as you seek justice.
Contact us today to receive a free consultation.