Why Is Distracted Driving Likely to Lead to Car Accidents?

Most of the time, car accidents take place because one or more drivers act negligently, such as by committing traffic violations, behaving aggressively, or failing to follow the correct safety precautions while behind the wheel. Victims of car wrecks, who may suffer serious injuries and extensive property damage, may take steps to pursue financial compensation from a negligent driver who caused a collision. Distracted driving is one of the most common forms of driver negligence, and it can significantly increase the chances that a driver will collide with other vehicles or strike a pedestrian or bicyclist.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

There are many different distractions that can affect drivers. Some of these distractions are well-known, and many states have passed laws meant to prevent these types of behaviors. For example, Texas law states that texting or sending electronic messages while driving is illegal. A person who uses a cell phone or another device to read or send messages may be charged with a misdemeanor offense, and they may face fines or other penalties.

There are multiple other issues that can cause distractions for a driver, and anything that causes a person to look away from the road or divert their attention from driving can be very dangerous. These distractions may include eating and drinking, looking in a mirror to adjust makeup or hair, shaving, making adjustments to a vehicle’s radio or other controls, talking with passengers, reaching for objects on a car’s seats or floor, turning around to deal with children in the vehicle, or even talking on the phone while using a hands-free device.

Distractions can fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Visual - If a driver looks away from the road, they may fail to notice what is happening around them, such as other vehicles’ movements or changing traffic signals. For example, if a driver does not notice that a vehicle in front of them has slowed down, they may not be able to slow down in time to avoid a rear-end collision. Visual distractions may include looking at a cell phone or navigation system.
• Manual - A driver may take one or both of their hands off the steering wheel to perform other activities, and this will affect their ability to control their vehicle. Manual distractions include using one’s hands to eat food or hold a beverage.
• Cognitive - Failure to pay full attention to the road can affect a driver’s ability to notice and respond to conditions on the road. Devoting mental energy to non-driving activities can also affect a driver’s reaction times. Cognitive distractions include conversations on cell phones or with others in the vehicle, as well as simply letting one’s mind wander.

Contact Our Nueces County Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

If you have been involved in a car accident, and you believe that the person who caused the accident was driving while distracted, The Edwards Law Firm can help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries and damages. We will work to gather evidence showing that a driver acted negligently, and we will fight to make sure you are fully compensated for all of the ways you have been affected. Contact our Corpus Christi car accident attorneys at 361-698-7600 to set up a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

https://www.txdot.gov/driver/safety/cellphones.html