Distracted driving is a significant problem on the roads in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately nine people die each day because of crashes involving distracted driving. That adds up to around 3,000 people dying in crashes each year in crashes that are largely preventable.
There are many types of distracted driving, but there are three common forms that you’re likely to see on the roads each day. These include:
- Eating behind the wheel
- Passenger distractions
- Texting and driving
Each of these has the potential to cause serious collisions, injuries and death.
Eating behind the wheel
Eating behind wheel is a common problem on the roads. People don’t always think that eating or drinking something is distracting, but it can be. If they spill a drink or have their vision blocked, take their hands off the wheel or choke, these are all reasons that they may cause a crash.
Passenger distractions
Passengers may be distracting, too. Whether someone is just holding a conversation with the driver or a child is throwing a tantrum in the back seat, the driver may be distracted by what’s going on in the car. Their distraction may result in them looking away from the road.
If they do this even for a second, they could end up causing a serious crash.
Texting and driving
Texting and driving is another common cause of distracted driving. People who text take their hands off the wheel. They also look away from the road and put their focus on the conversation rather than what’s happening around them. Any one of these distractions is harmful, but together, they greatly increase the risk of a crash.
Distracted driving is a hazard for all drivers
No matter who is on the roads, they’re at risk if a driver is distracted. Drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to the road and the task at hand. Failing to do so may lead to serious collisions, devastating injuries and deaths. If you’re hit by someone who was distracted behind the wheel, you may have the opportunity to make a claim against them for compensation.
The Three Types of Distraction
Safety experts generally group driver distractions into three categories: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Texting is especially dangerous because it involves all three at once. Understanding these categories helps explain why so many everyday behaviors behind the wheel are riskier than they seem.
Indiana’s Hands-Free Law
Indiana law prohibits drivers from holding or using a handheld device while operating a vehicle. Drivers are expected to use hands-free technology if they need to take a call or use navigation. Violating the law can bring a ticket, and, more importantly, a driver who causes a crash while using a phone may face significant civil liability for the harm they cause.
Other Common Distractions
Beyond phones, eating, and passengers, drivers are frequently distracted by adjusting the radio or climate controls, programming a GPS, grooming, reaching for objects, and daydreaming. Any activity that competes for a driver’s attention increases the risk of a serious collision.
Injured by a Distracted Driver?
If you were hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact Zaki Ali, Trial Lawyers to learn how we can help you hold a distracted driver accountable.
