Why Distracted Driving Is Likely to Lead to Dangerous Car Accidents
Over the past few decades, distracted driving has been a significant issue that has affected roadway safety in the United States. Despite awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, it continues to be a common cause of car accidents. In fact, an average of nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in distracted driving accidents every day, according to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you have been injured in a car accident involving distracted driving, you may be wondering what your legal options are. An experienced personal injury attorney can work with you to demonstrate that a distracted driver was responsible for your accident, and they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving may include anything that takes a driver's eyes or attention off of the road. Distracting activities can include using a cell phone to make calls, reading or sending text messages, eating and drinking, conversing with passengers, adjusting the car stereo, using a GPS navigation system, and more. In recent years, cell phone use has become one of the most common—and deadliest—forms of distracted driving.
There are three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distraction occurs when a driver looks away from the road, manual distraction occurs when a driver takes one or both of their hands away from the wheel, and cognitive distraction occurs when a driver does not pay full attention to driving.
Although all forms of distracted driving are dangerous, texting while behind the wheel is particularly so because it involves all three types of distractions. A person will take their hands off the wheel to manipulate their phone, they will take their eyes off the road to read a message, and they will focus their attention on their phone rather than on driving. Sending or reading a text message takes a person's eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. When a person is traveling at 55 miles per hour, this is the equivalent of driving blindfolded for the length of an entire football field.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
As mentioned above, distracted driving is extremely dangerous. In fact, it is now considered to be just as risky as drunk driving. In 2020 alone, 3,142 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, according to the NHTSA. Unfortunately, many drivers continue to engage in this risky behavior despite knowing the risks. Research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 97% of drivers believe that hand-held phone use while driving is dangerous—but 39% admit to doing it anyway.
If you have been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you may be wondering what your legal options are. The first step is to contact a personal injury attorney who will investigate your case and determine who was at fault for the accident. In many cases involving distracted drivers, multiple parties may be held liable, including:
-
The distracted driver him or herself
-
The driver's employer (if he or she was on the job at the time of the accident)
-
The manufacturer of any defective car parts
-
The owner of the vehicle (if someone other than the owner was driving)
-
A government entity responsible for maintaining safe roads
Once liability has been determined, your attorney will help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries and damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact a Grand Rapids Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving is a serious problem in the United States that claims thousands of lives every year. If you have been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, it is important to contact an experienced Kent County personal injury attorney who can help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages. For more information about how we can help you get justice after being involved in an accident with a distracted driver, call us today at 616-361-8850 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.aaa.com/dontdrivedistracted/
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
