7 Reasons Why Distracted Driving Can Cause Car Accidents and Injuries

 Posted on April 21, 2023 in Personal Injury

Even though most people drive on a daily basis, many fail to appreciate the dangers that cars and trucks present to others and the potential for serious injuries in car accidents. People who act negligently while driving put themselves and others at risk, and when they cause accidents and injuries to others, they may be held liable for the resulting damages.

Distracted driving is one of the most common and dangerous forms of driver negligence. It is essential for drivers to stay focused on the road while they are behind the wheel. It only takes a split second of being distracted to cause a car accident. People who have been injured by distracted drivers can work with a personal injury attorney to pursue financial compensation.

Why Is Distracted Driving So Dangerous?

Distracted driving can involve any activities that divert a driver's attention from the road, including texting, making phone calls, eating and drinking, or adjusting the radio. Distractions can affect a driver's ability to see what is happening around them, respond to conditions on the road, and avoid collisions. Some of the reasons why distracted driving can lead to dangerous accidents include:

• Reduced reaction time - When a driver is distracted, they have less time to react to potential hazards on the road. Taking even a fraction of a second longer to respond to the movements of other vehicles, pedestrians who are crossing the road, obstacles in a person's path, or other issues may lead to an accident.

• Decreased focus - Distracted driving limits a driver's ability to focus on the road. Being able to fully pay attention to factors that may affect a driver and others on the road is an essential skill for safe driving. A driver who is distracted may fail to notice other vehicles or pedestrians, which can lead to devastating injuries or fatalities.

• Impaired judgment and decision-making - A driver who is distracted may not be able to make good decisions. For example, they may misjudge the distance between their vehicle and a car in front of them, or they may not realize how fast they are going. Dangerous behaviors such as speeding, switching lanes without checking, and tailgating may be the result of distractions, and these actions can increase the risk of accidents.

• Multitasking - Many people believe that they can perform multiple actions at the same time. However, this is a myth, and mental energy that is put toward other actions will limit a person's ability to focus on the road, see what is happening around them, and respond correctly to changes. Actions such as texting, eating, or applying makeup while driving will take a driver's attention away from the road, and they often lead to dangerous accidents.

• Cognitive distractions - These distractions occur when a driver's mind is focused on something other than the task of driving. In addition to actions such as phone calls or conversations with passengers, cognitive distractions can include daydreaming or being lost in thought. By taking a driver's attention away from the road, these distractions will affect their ability to notice and respond to issues that could lead to accidents.

• Visual distractions - These distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road to look at something else. Examples of visual distractions include looking at a phone or GPS device, checking the time, turning around to check on children in the back seat, or looking at a billboard. Looking away from the road may cause a driver to miss important details, limiting their ability to respond correctly to potential dangers.

• Manual distractions - These distractions occur when a driver takes their hands off the wheel to do something else. Examples of manual distractions include eating, changing the radio station, or lighting a cigarette. This can result in a loss of control of a vehicle, and the extra time needed to regain control can make accidents unavoidable.

Contact Our Naperville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Distracted driving is a serious problem that is the cause of many car accidents and injuries. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our Bloomingdale car accident attorneys can provide representation for those who have been injured by distracted drivers, and we will work to ensure that victims can receive full compensation for their damages. Contact us at 630-932-9100 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://blog.drivedifferent.com/blog/10-distracted-driving-statistics-and-facts-for-safe-drivers 

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