Why is distracted driving so dangerous?

Let’s face it, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on our roads these days. With all the distractions that we have to deal with while in the car, we sometimes just can’t keep our eyes on the road and we end up doing things like talking on our phones and to other people in the car. Some are not even aware of what they are doing when they are driving as their minds wander, focused on outside problems, not the road. They do nothing to decrease their chance of having an accident, instead, they just make things worse for themselves. So why is distracted driving dangerous? Put simply, distracted driving is almost as bad as driving drunk.

Statistically speaking, distracted driving causes more motor vehicle crashes than most other causes of accidents. Distracted driving increases your chance of a crash. The studies have shown that there is a 55% increased chance of a crash for those who are distracted. Text messaging is such a distraction that it is illegal in several states. Distracted driving is a definite factor in a large number of auto accidents each year. So let’s look at some of the other ways that distracted driving is dangerous.

One of the biggest dangers of distracted driving is using infotainment systems. These are some of the things you would normally expect to find in a car, such as a CD player, display screen, radio, etc. The main flaw in using these infotainment systems is that it distracts drivers from looking at the road. 

It can be difficult to determine when a driver is distracted. Oddly enough, the actions of distracted drivers are often similar to normal day-to-day driving and the drivers don’t realize that they are affected. Some actions include: changing lanes without signaling, talking on a cell phone, not checking their speed, or spacing out as they drive. A distracted driver is more likely to make an unsafe maneuver that puts other drivers in danger. So how can you avoid being a distracted driver?

What can I do to Prevent Distracted Driving?

In order to stop distracted driving, you have to get involved. The first thing that you must know is that there are some simple things that you can do to minimize your chances of crashing. Distracted driving is now the number one reason for vehicle crashes, and cell phones are part of the problem. 

Using cell phones while driving is often the most common cause of distracted driving. Distracted drivers often do not see other vehicles coming up towards them because they are focused on their cell phones or on something else. This can lead to devastating accidents if you are a victim of a distracted driver.

Many times, people say that they are concentrating on other things while driving like looking at the speedometer, but they forget to look at their blind spot. Our eyes are supposed to be watching out for objects and other vehicles while we are driving, but many modern cars are made very complex, including electronic mirrors that can move side to side. All this extra equipment can lead to many problems. 

When you are driving, make sure that you are using both of your hands and that you are facing forward at all times. This helps to prevent eye contact with the road from being lost. That might mean that you slow down, but you should not be moving around and trying to find something that is handy to grab. You may be tempted to reach toward your mobile phone, but this is a distraction that you should resist. 

One of the main reasons that people get into accidents is because they were looking down and unable to see what was happening around them. This is even more true when it comes to texting behind the wheel. Texting in a moving vehicle is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States, and drivers need to understand that the best way to avoid crashing is to avoid texting while driving altogether.

What do I do if I am Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident?

If you are a passenger in a vehicle that is involved in a crash, you must stop the vehicle immediately and call 911. If you are a driver and get involved in a crash, you must: 

• Drive the vehicle to a safe, nearby location.
• Stay at the scene. Do not run away.
• Give the police a description of the vehicles involved.
• Get your license and registration.
• If you are involved in a collision and cannot operate a vehicle, stay inside the vehicle only if it is safer to do so.
• Take photographs of the vehicles involved.
• Be sure to get a copy of the police report and take it to your attorney.

Should I Hire an Attorney for a Distracted Driving Accident?

With the serious increase in distracted driving accident cases in the US, insurance companies are looking for any way to deny paying out claims. Regardless of whether it is clear that the other driver is at fault if there is any mention of the possibility that you were distracted while driving, it could have a profoundly detrimental effect on your rights for compensation. 

It is important that you don’t speak to the insurance company or sign any forms without first speaking with a distracted driving accident attorney. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our distracted driving accident lawyers’ proven track record of successfully recovering compensation for our clients proves we know how to handle insurance companies. Don’t go it alone. Contact us today to discuss your case right over the phone or via a video conference by calling (866) 460-1990. Consultations are free and always confidential and you can speak with an expert distracted driving accident attorney from the comfort of your own home.