Avoid Distracted Driving Accidents

Thousands of people are injured or killed in distracted driving accidents each year. Many auto accidents could be avoided each year if motorists avoid dangerous and distracting behaviors.

Types of Distracted Driving

When a motorist operates a vehicle while engaging in other activities that divert their attention from the roadway, they put other drivers at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 3,450 people died because of the actions of a distracted driver in 2016.

The three types of distracted driving that motorists can engage in:

Manual

A manual distraction is one where something other than the steering wheel occupies the driver’s hands. This includes:

• Eating and drinking
• Smoking
• Texting while driving
• Adjusting a seatbelt
• Searching through a purse, wallet, console or other vehicle compartments
• Turning vehicle’s knobs, including the radio and air
• Using a GPS device

Visual

A visual distraction is any distraction that causes you to take your eyes off the road. These include:

• Reading a text message or email
• Searching for loose items on the floor or seats
• Reading vehicle instruments
• Applying makeup
• Looking at scenery or objects away from the roadway

Cognitive

A cognitive distraction occurs when you take your mind off the road and lose focus on driving. This can happen when:

• Daydreaming
• Focusing on something other than driving
• Engaging in road rage
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

Cellphones Are a Leading Cause of Distracted Driving Accidents & Deaths

Texting while driving is one of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents and resulted in approximately 3,450 deaths in 2016. Using a cellphone while driving can be extremely dangerous, as it engages all three types of distracted driving:

1. Visual: Looking at your phone causes you to lose focus of the road
2. Manual: Texting prevents you from keeping both hands on the steering wheel.
3. Cognitive: Concentrating on a conversation or your phone may prevent your ability to focus on the road.

To avoid cellphone distractions, turn off or silence and put your phone away while driving.

Eating While Driving

Unexpected hazards often come from nowhere. When eating or drinking and driving, both hands cannot be consistently on the steering wheel. The ability to quickly react to changing road conditions and hazards is essential to prevent accidents.

You should avoid eating or drinking while operating a vehicle, so you may adequately focus on the roadway and keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Long Distance Driving

When traveling long distances, you should plan to go with another person who can drive. This passenger can assist you drive if you become tired, help you perform tasks that could distract you, help with navigation, or using the cellphone.

Contact an Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you should contact an experienced attorney to help you receive compensation for your injuries and any financial losses.

Saladino & Schaaf has decades of experience helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve for accidents caused by distracted driving. Contact us for a free consultation or call us at 270-444-0406 to find out if you are entitled to compensation.