According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Unfortunately, New Jersey and New York rank in the top ten states with the most distracted driving accidents, injuries, and fatalities—ranking third and ninth, respectively, according to Traffic Safety Management & Research.
The dangers of not focusing on the act of driving are clear: People are getting hurt or killed in increasing numbers in the Northeast and nationwide. If you or someone you love was injured or lost their life because of a distracted driver, we want to hear your story so that we can help.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Increased Dangers for Motorists, Pedestrians, and Bicyclists Throughout New York and New Jersey
The dangers of distracted driving in New York and New Jersey highlight the importance of staying focused and attentive behind the wheel. By avoiding distractions and practicing safe driving habits, motorists can help prevent accidents and make the roads safer.
Here are the facts:
- When drivers divert their attention from the road, even for just a few seconds, their ability to react to hazards and unexpected events is compromised. This increases the likelihood of accidents, including rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and intersection crashes.
- Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car infotainment systems can delay a driver’s reaction time to changing traffic conditions or emergencies. This impaired reaction time can be critical in avoiding accidents or reducing their severity.
- Distracted drivers are less aware of their surroundings, including the movements of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. This lack of situational awareness can lead to failure to yield, improper lane changes, and other risky maneuvers that endanger everyone on the road.
- Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable to distracted drivers, as they have little protection in the event of a collision. Distracted drivers may fail to see pedestrians crossing the street or cyclists sharing the road, putting them at significant risk of injury or death.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you have been hit by a distracted driver or lost a loved one in a traffic collision caused by negligence, contact our dedicated New York and New Jersey car accident lawyers at Omni Injury and Accident Law to schedule a free consultation and to get the assistance you need to produce actual results for your essential claim.