Understanding the Dangers of Distracted Driving

 Posted on September 30, 2019 in Car Accidents

By now, you have almost certainly heard the warnings about the dangers of texting while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, AT&T, AAA, nonprofits, and other organizations have spent millions of dollars on campaigns to stop texting and driving. However, there are many other ways that drivers become dangerously distracted on the road, often leading to devastating accidents.

Children Can Be More Distracting Than Texting

If you have children, you probably spend a great deal of time transporting them to and from school, friends’ houses, and after-school activities. According to several studies, when your children are in the car, you may be driving while distracted. One study showed that children were twelve times more distracting to a driver than texting was. Research has also shown that parents with children in the car spend, on average, three minutes and twenty-two seconds with their eyes away from the road for every sixteen minutes they are diving.

Surprising Dangers on the Road

Distracted driving can also be caused when a driver attempts to multitask while driving. Many of us have extremely busy lives and often eat or drink while driving to save time. While the coffee and donut on the way to work may help you get your day started, experts believe that even this puts drivers at an increased risk of being in a car accident. A study conducted by Erie insurance found that smoking while driving is equally dangerous. Individuals who reach for a cigarette or go to light one take their eyes off the road for just a moment, but it only takes a moment to be involved in a crash.

One of the most unexpected sources of distracted driving, according to research, does not involve any outside distractions or even distractions inside the vehicle. The biggest distraction to driving may simply be our minds wandering or daydreaming while driving. If you have ever driven long distances you have probably experienced something called “highway hypnosis.” Basically, our brains can go on autopilot when we are driving. This allows us to continue driving the vehicle without really thing about it. Unfortunately, a person who is “spaced out” in this manner is much more likely to be killed or injured in an accident than an alert driver.

Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact a Winnebago County Injury Lawyer

It is the responsibility of everyone on the road to make sure they are doing everything in their power to reduce distractions. When a driver’s negligence causes another person to suffer injuries, the driver should be held accountable. If you have been injured in an accident involving distracted driving, you may be eligible for compensation, and an experienced Rockford car accident attorney can help. Call Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law at 815-215-7561 for a free consultation regarding your case.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

http://abcnews.go.com/US/worst-driving-distractions-road-kids/story?id=18684711

http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2013/04/11/10-deadliest-driving-distractions