Drivers must pay close attention to operating their vehicle. Failing to do so can lead to errors that cause crashes, some of which may lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries. Because of this, it’s critical that all drivers avoid distracted driving.
Many drivers don’t realize how many actions can lead to distracted driving. Some may think of only cellphones as a culprit, but there are many others to consider.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their mind, hands and/or eyes off their driving duties. Some distractions lead to only one of these happening at once, but most involve more than one. For example, sending a text message requires a driver to think of what they want to say, grab the phone, and look at the message they’re sending.
Even some of the actions that drivers do on a regular basis are distracting. Changing the station on the stereo, looking at billboards on the side of the road, grabbing a sip of a drink, reaching for a purse, or talking to another occupant of the vehicle are all possible distractions.
Why is distracted driving dangerous?
Distracted driving is dangerous because it negatively impacts a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. Even a minor distraction can lead to a tragic crash. If a driver is distracted for five seconds, their vehicle can travel the length of a standard football field if the vehicle is moving at 55 miles per hour. That distance is plenty of time for a distracted driver to cause a crash.
Distracted driving crashes can injure innocent parties. Those victims may need emergency medical care, and they may have significant injuries. Seeking compensation through a personal injury claim is possible, but the time to do this is limited. Working with a legal professional who is familiar with these matters is critical so they can provide necessary assistance with a victim’s case.