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.