Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States, contributing to thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. Understanding what distracted driving means, the different forms it can take, and how to prevent it can help keep the roads safer for everyone.
But what defines this practice, exactly? The definition of distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, which may include texting, eating, or talking to passengers.
If you’ve been in an accident with a distracted driver, you may be wondering how to seek justice. A Kansas City car accident lawyer can help you obtain financial compensation.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in any behavior that takes their focus away from the road. Distractions can affect vision, manual control, or mental focus. This means that even if your eyes are on the road, your hands or mind may still be elsewhere.
What are Three Examples of Distracted Driving?
To put the definition into context, here are three examples of distracted driving:
- Texting while driving: Reading or sending a text message pulls your eyes, hands, and attention away from the road
- Eating or drinking: Grabbing food or balancing a drink can force you to take one or both hands off the wheel
- Adjusting controls: Changing the radio, GPS, or climate settings can cause you to glance away from traffic
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Common Types of Distractions While Driving
Driving distractions typically fall into three main categories:
- Visual distractions: These include anything that takes your eyes off the road, such as looking at a text message, checking your appearance in the mirror, or watching something outside your vehicle.
- Manual distractions: These include actions that require you to take your hands off the steering wheel, including eating, grooming, or handling objects in the car.
- Cognitive distractions: Your focus can shift away from driving when you’re deep in thought, stressed, talking to passengers, or using voice-to-text systems.
Some activities combine all three types of distractions at once. For example, texting while driving involves looking at a phone (visual), typing (manual), and thinking about the conversation instead of driving (cognitive).
What are the Dangers of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving greatly increases your risk of a crash because it reduces reaction times and situational awareness. The dangers include:
- Higher likelihood of rear-end collisions
- Increased risk of drifting into another lane or off the road
- Greater likelihood of missing traffic signals, stop signs, or pedestrians
- Higher odds of a more severe accident when driving at a high speed
According to national traffic data on distracted driving dangers and statistics, drivers who text behind the wheel are more likely to crash than those who are paying attention to the road.
What are the Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving?
Most states have strict laws against distracted driving, especially when it comes to cellphone use. Legal consequences may include:
- Traffic tickets: Many jurisdictions issue fines for texting or using a handheld phone while driving.
- Points on your license: When you accumulate points, this can lead to higher insurance premiums or even a license suspension.
- Criminal charges: If your distracted driving results in a serious accident or death, you may face reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter charges.
- Civil liability: If you cause an accident while distracted, you may be financially responsible for injuries, property damage, and other losses.
Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving
There are steps you can take to reduce distractions while driving. Helpful strategies include:
- Put your phone away: Keep it in your bag or glove compartment, or use “Do Not Disturb” mode.
- Eat before you drive: Avoid eating meals in the car whenever possible.
- Set controls beforehand: Adjust your mirrors, radio, and GPS before you start driving.
- Limit passenger distractions: Ask passengers to help with navigation or to keep conversations at a reasonable level.
- Take a break: If you’re feeling tired, stressed, or emotionally distracted, take a break before getting back behind the wheel.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’re injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s important to take these steps:
- Call 911 to report the accident and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
- Document the scene by taking photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect contact information from the other driver and any available witnesses.
- Get medical treatment, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid going into detail about the accident.
- Consult a car accident lawyer to discuss your options for pursuing compensation.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Distracted driving is more than just a bad habit—it’s a dangerous behavior that puts lives at risk. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, a car accident attorney from Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers can assist.
We have recovered over $1 billion for clients in situations just like yours. Our team can investigate the crash, negotiate with insurers, and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Don’t let the careless actions of another driver leave you in dire financial straits. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how you can hold them accountable.
