Dangers of Distracted Driving

Driving is a task that requires immense focus and attention on the road. Hazardous situations can present themselves at any time, and as such, you need to be ready to react. This can be hard to do if you are too busy fiddling with the radio, eating, dealing with your unruly dog, or even worse, texting.

Distracted driving is dangerous. In 2017, it killed 3,166 people in the United States. Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a person’s focus off the road.

There are three types of distracted driving: manual, physical and cognitive. Manual distractions force you to take your hands off the wheel. This may include changing the radio station or grabbing your burger. Visual distractions occur when you take your eyes off the road, such as to read directions or tend to a crying child. Cognitive distractions take your mind off the task of driving. Examples of these are thinking about the fight you had with your spouse or mentally preparing for the test you have at school later.

Texting is an activity that combines all three of these types of distracted driving, which makes it so dangerous. If you take your eyes off the road for five seconds to read a text, you have just driven the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Types of Distracted Driving

There are many forms of distracted driving that can lead to serious accidents. While texting is the most dangerous form of distracted driving, it’s surprisingly not the most common. Being lost in thought is actually the most common cause of fatalities related to distracted driving. It accounts for 62% of deaths. This refers to thinking about anything other than the task of driving. You may be thinking about good things or bad events, but if you’re not 100% focused on the road, you are letting your mind wander, which can be dangerous.

Cell phone use is also common, accounting for 12% of distracted driving fatalities. This may involve texting, talking (even hands-free), surfing the internet, using social media, using GPS or finding music. Make it a habit to stay off your phone while driving.

People or events outside your vehicle can also lead to crashes. These account for 7% of distracted driving deaths. While it’s a good idea to stay alert and be aware of what is outside your car, gawking at car accidents or staring at strange people can cause crashes.

People inside your vehicle can also cause distractions. Talking to passengers, dealing with crying children or trying to calm down your unruly dog can cause you to get into a serious crash.

Contact a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Today 

Distracted driving is a serious issue that results in thousands of fatal car crashes every year. Teens and young adults face the highest risks. If or a loved one was a victim, seek legal help right away.

The Miami personal injury lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP can help you obtain the compensation you need for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call our Miami office at 305-985-5281 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.

Resources:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

/safestart.com/news/top-10-causes-distracted-driving-and-what-they-all-have-common/

https://www.turnpikelaw.com/how-long-does-a-personal-injury-case-take-in-miami/