Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle-related accidents in New York. Diverting your focus from the road even for a second while you’re driving can lead to more serious consequences than one might think – it can even come down to life and death. Understanding what counts as distracted driving and its potential consequences can help save lives.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. The dangers of distracted driving arise because your reaction time slows when you’re not fully focused. Even a two-second distraction can be the difference between avoiding an accident and being involved in one. Here are some common distracted driving examples:
- Texting or using a phone while driving
- Eating or drinking in the car
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Talking to passengers in the car
- Daydreaming or becoming mentally “checked out”
Why is Distracted Driving a Growing Concern?
Multitasking behind the wheel has become all the more tempting because of smartphones, social media, and infotainment systems. Some concerning statistics show that drivers engaging with their phones are six times more likely to cause an accident than those who are paying attention.
In addition, many drivers underestimate how dangerous small distractions can be. “It’s just a quick text,” people think, but taking your eyes off the road for even five seconds while driving at 55 mph is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
With more drivers on the road and a rise in technology-based driving distractions, the likelihood of a distracted driver accident increases daily.
Types of Distracted Driving
As we already said, distracted driving is anything that compels you to take your eyes or mind off the road. It can be broken down into three main types:
- Visual Distractions: Anything that takes your eyes off the road. Examples include reading a text message, looking at a GPS, or staring at roadside billboards.
- Manual Distractions: Activities that require you to take your hands off the wheel, such as eating, adjusting the car’s controls, or reaching for an object.
- Cognitive Distractions: Mental distractions that shift your focus, like daydreaming, arguing with a passenger, or thinking about something stressful.
Certain distractions fall into multiple categories, which makes them especially dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. For instance, using a smartphone involves all three types of distractions at once, which is why using it behind the wheel is strictly prohibited.
The Consequences of Distracted Driving
The consequences of distracted driving can be physically and emotionally devastating, which is exactly why the laws regarding it are extremely strict. Car accidents often lead to severe injuries and destroyed vehicles – unfortunately, even fatalities in the most extreme cases. Drivers responsible for crashes often face serious legal repercussions that are almost impossible to handle without a qualified New York car accident lawyer.
Don’t think that the financial burden stops at hefty fines or increased insurance premiums – expenses and lost wages from time off work add up quickly. On top of everything, people often carry feelings of trauma and lasting anxiety that often make it difficult to get behind the wheel. Distracted driving statistics paint a sobering picture: thousands of lives are lost each year in the U.S. alone because of completely preventable distractions.
Who is at Risk?
Even the most responsible drivers can fall victim to driving distractions, which is why all of us must remain vigilant every time we get behind the wheel. Although anyone can become a distracted driver, certain groups are more vulnerable to different distractions.
People who have just recently started driving (mostly teenagers and young drivers) are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Managing kids in the backseat can be just as distracting as eating or drinking in the car, which is why parents with young children often take their eyes off the road. People who commute often or work long hours might also attempt to multitask while driving, such as making phone calls or checking emails.
Preventing Distracted Driving
The good news is that distracted driving is entirely preventable. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep yourself—and others—safe on the road:
- Put Your Phone Away: Use apps that block notifications while you’re driving or place your phone in a location you can’t easily reach.
- Plan Ahead: Set your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and take care of any distractions before you start driving.
- Avoid Multitasking: Focus solely on the task of driving. Save eating, drinking, and phone calls for later.
- Talk to Your Passengers: If you’re driving with others, ask them to help you avoid distractions, like reading directions or calming children.
- Stay Mindful: If you catch your mind wandering, take a deep breath and refocus on the road. Driving requires your full attention.
Make these minor changes in your driving routine, and you can play your part in creating safer roads for everyone.
Contact a Lawyer for Legal Help
If you or someone you know has been involved in a distracted driver accident, do not hesitate to reach out to one of the skilled attorneys from Omni Injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses, so having a skilled attorney in your corner can make all the difference for your claim.
A personal injury lawyer is someone who will give you peace of mind, knowing your case is in safe hands while you fully focus on recovery. Don’t wait to seek legal advice – reach out to Omni Injury at +1 (646) 503-0404 and take the first steps towards rebuilding your life.