Distracted driving is a serious problem affecting millions of people on the road each year. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from the task at hand: driving a vehicle. There are various types of distracted driving, including visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Being distracted while driving can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over three thousand deaths caused by distracted driving in 2020.
The purpose of this guide is to raise awareness about distracted driving, its dangers, and its potential consequences. We’ll investigate the different types of distractions that may become a problem for drivers, the impact they can have, and the steps that you can take to prevent them.
Types of Distractions
When driving, there are lots of things that could potentially become a distraction. These are:
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions refer to any kind of distraction that takes the driver’s eyes off the road; for example, looking at a phone, using a GPS system, or using any other kind of electronic device while driving. While modern cars are designed with GPS systems that you can use without the need to take your eyes off the road, for example, by giving it voice commands, smartphones and other electronic devices don’t always have these features. These can be very dangerous for drivers, which is why it’s against the law to drive and use your phone for things like texting or browsing social media. Trying to read a map or program a GPS system while driving can also be dangerous, which is why it’s important to have your route planned and GPS set up before you set off.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions are any kind of distraction that takes the driver’s hands off the wheel. Some examples of this could be eating, adjusting the radio, or smoking while driving. Being distracted by these kinds of tasks can make it harder for a driver to maintain control of the car and can be a risk factor for accidents.
Cognitive Distractions
These refer to any type of distraction that takes the driver’s mind off the task at hand. This could involve thinking about personal problems, daydreaming, or being too tired to focus on driving. Cognitive distractions make it harder for a driver to quickly react to unexpected situations, which can increase the risk of accidents on the road.
It’s crucial to note that these distractions often don’t happen one at a time – and a combination of two or more of them can make driving especially dangerous. For example, a driver may be visually distracted by their GPS system, manually distracted trying to eat while driving, and cognitively distracted by worrying about a personal problem. In this kind of situation, the risk of being involved in an accident increases significantly.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can have serious consequences. These are:
Personal Consequences
Distracted driving can lead to a range of serious personal consequences, including serious injury or death, or being arrested for driving dangerously. Drivers who are distracted by something else while they are behind the wheel are more likely to be involved in accidents that can result in serious injuries or even death for the driver, passengers, and other people on the road.
Drivers who cause accidents due to driving while distracted can also face legal consequences such as fines and imprisonment. They may end up with a criminal record.
Financial Consequences
Driving while distracted can also have serious financial consequences for drivers. When an accident is caused, it can lead to many serious expenses such as vehicle repairs, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums. Plus, a driving distracted accident can have a range of knock-on effects, such as losing your job due to an arrest or criminal record. It may lead to other financial hardships, such as being unable to continue working due to no longer having a usable vehicle.
Social Consequences
The social consequences of driving while distracted can also be severe. This is especially true if an accident due to distracted driving occurs while passengers are in the car. People who cause road accidents because of driving while distracted may ruin their relationships with friends and family. Along with this, they may be required to perform community service or take part in other rehabilitation processes.
It’s important to note that the consequences of distracted driving can go far, affecting not only the driver, but also their family and friends. The impact of a distracted driving accident can be felt for years, leading to various hardships and problems.
Preventing and Solving the Issue of Distracted Driving
Laws and regulations are in place to prevent distracted driving and discourage drivers from taking part in anything that may distract them while they are on the road. Many states have laws against texting or using a smartphone while driving, which aim to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road and ensure that it is as safe as possible. Some states have made it mandatory to use hands-free kits for making calls while driving.
In addition to this, education and awareness campaigns are in place to prevent distracted driving. Driver’s education classes, educating school students, and public awareness campaigns are another way to prevent distracted driving by educating drivers about what distracted driving is, how to avoid it, and on the importance of staying focused when behind the wheel.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we understand how distressing it can be to be involved in an accident with a distracted driver. If a distracted driver has collided with you on the road, it can lead to a far-reaching range of effects including vehicle damage, physical injury, emotional trauma and financial trouble. Ultimately, you deserve to be compensated for what you have been through.
The aftermath of being hit by a distracted driver can be tough. We’re here to help. Get in touch today to discuss your case and what we can do to help ensure you are compensated. Call us at 877-557-4221.
