Dangers of Distracted Driving
When many people consider causes of major car accidents, they think of driving while intoxicated, excessive speeding, or possibly dangerous road conditions. However, distracted driving can be just as dangerous as any of the previous situations. Sometimes we forget to consider the importance of paying attention to the road when we are driving.
This can be especially true when we participate in distracted driving repeatedly without any negative consequences. It can make us feel like it is safe to multi-task while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, distracted driving may seem benign until the day that it has disastrous consequences. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a serious accident.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can include anything that a person does while driving a car that is extraneous to the actual operation of the vehicle. Cell phone usage is one of the most serious and common forms of distracted driving. According to a study by the University of Utah, using a cell phone while driving causes as much trouble with reaction times as being legally drunk. Currently there are laws limiting cell phone usage while driving to hands-free devices, but some studies show that any cell phone conversation can be distracting.
Some other common distractions include:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the music
- Putting on make-up or otherwise grooming
- Being distracted by other passengers, whether they are rambunctious friends or misbehaving kids
Any of these conditions can cause significant distraction for a driver, which could lead to an accident involving serious injury or even death.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for any injury or loss you have suffered. Call the Delaware auto accident lawyers of Morris James LLP to speak to someone about your legal options today.
