Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving Accident Law Firm

Definition Of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is commonly associated with using a cell phone for calls or texting. However, many different forms of distracted driving can take the driver’s attention away from the road. Distracted driving can be dangerous and even deadly, which is why it’s so important for motorists to understand what constitutes a distraction when they’re behind the wheel, to keep themselves and others on the road safe. 

A driver is practicing distracted driving behavior when they are:

• Texting
• Grooming
• Using a cell phone
• Speaking with passengers
• Drinking or eating while driving
• Adjusting the radio
• Watching a video
• Using a GPS
• Reading

Different Types Of Distracted Driving

There are three categories of distracted driving:

Manual Distractions

Some distractions can cause manual impairment, causing the driver to take one or both of their hands off the steering wheel to perform a task. 

Manual distractions can include:

• Adjusting the radio
• Going through personal belongings, such as searching for an item in a purse
• Eating and drinking 
• Helping a child
• Smoking

Manual distractions can be dangerous since these types of distractions can cause the motorist to veer into another lane of traffic.

Visual Distractions

A visual distraction is what many people associate with distracted driving. Visual distractions involve partaking in an activity that causes the driver’s eyes to wander off the road. 

Types of visual distractions can include:

• Grooming
• Looking at billboards
• Adjusting car devices
• Texting

Visual distractions are especially dangerous since they can impair the motorist’s ability to assess their surroundings for potential hazards.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions can take a motorist’s mind off the road and current traffic situations. 

Types of cognitive distractions can include:

• Daydreaming
• Talking to passengers
• Using a hands-free calling device
• Listening to music

Because the driver’s mind is occupied, it can prevent them from constantly assessing road conditions and their surroundings.

Why Texting While Driving is Dangerous

As discussed above, there are many different ways a driver can become distracted behind the wheel. However, safety experts agree that using a handheld phone to respond to or read text messages, social media posts, and emails, is considered one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving for motorists. Texting while driving triggers all three forms of distracted driving, including manual, cognitive, and visual distractions, which is what makes it so dangerous. 

Safety experts have estimated that it takes approximately five seconds to read and respond to a text. During those five seconds, a motorist isn’t watching the road, their mind is not focused on driving, and their hands are off the wheel. If a vehicle is traveling 50 mph, that means the driver is essentially driving the length of a football field with their hands off the wheel and their eyes and mind off the road.

Distracted drivers are careless and their carelessness significantly increases their chances of causing a motor vehicle collision. If a motorist causes a car crash because they were texting behind the wheel, they can be held liable for the damages they cause.

Signs Of Distracted Driving

To avoid a distracted driver on the road and prevent a serious car crash, you need to know how to spot this type of dangerous driving behavior. 

Signs of distracted driving can include:

• Drifting into other lanes of traffic
• Ignoring traffic signs or running red lights or stop signs
• Driving in and out of lanes
• Hitting the brakes frequently and suddenly
• Eating or drinking
• Failing to use turn signals when changing lanes or turning
• Failing to maintain a safe following distance
• Failing to maintain a consistent speed
• Holding the phone up or looking down

This is not an exhaustive list of the signs of a distracted driver. However, if you do notice these signs, you should move away from the driver as soon as it’s safe to do so. Knowing the signs of a distracted driver can help prevent an accident and can keep you and your passengers safe.

Working with a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

If you were seriously injured in an auto accident due to driver distraction, you may be eligible to pursue compensation in court, if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold. At Parker Waichman LLP, our distracted driving accident lawyers can review your case and help you determine whether you’re entitled to additional compensation for your losses and can represent you in court, before a judge and jury. During this time, as your distracted driving accident lawyer prepares for trial, they will also continue to negotiate with the at-fault party and do their best to settle your case outside of the courtroom. If the other party refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, your distracted driving accident attorney will aggressively defend you in court and fight for your right to maximum compensation for your losses.

Contact Us Today

If you were involved in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by the negligence of another driver, contact Parker Waichman LLP today. Our distracted driving accident lawyers offer free consultations where you can learn how they can help you recover the fair compensation you deserve for an accident that was caused by the negligence of another.