Distracted Drivers Cause Serious Injuries in Automobile Accidents


It is not a surprise to anyone that there are more distracted drivers on the road today than there were even five years ago. Distracted driving is not new. For decades drivers have been engaging in a variety of activities that draw their attention away from the road. I have seen people eat, put on makeup, read, even shave in their cars. But the advent of cell phones and other mobile technologies that allow drivers to text, send and receive emails and download music has dramatically increased both the number of distracted drivers and the level of distraction.
Many automobile and cell phone manufacturers have designed safety measures to try and curb the potential hazards associated with distracted driving. Hands-free calling controls placed on the steering wheel, and voice commands were all intended to eliminate the distraction caused by holding and looking at mobile devices while driving. Unfortunately, a recent study done by the University of Utah and AAA has proven these measures can cause more harm than good. The study shows that in-dash and voice-controlled systems in cars are overly complicated and actually cause more of a distraction. The level of cognitive distraction or mental workload that is required to operate these systems caused individuals to be just as distracted trying to use them as they would have been if they looked away from the road to reach for and use their phones.
How Dangerous are Distracted Drivers to Others on the Road?
Even though vehicles have the ability to support the use of phones for email, social media, and texting, it does not mean it is safe for a driver to engage in these activities while driving. Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report showing that distracted drivers have three times the risk of being involved in an auto accident as drivers who are not visually or physically distracted.
The best way to avoid being in a car accident is to focus fully on the task of driving, and avoid the use of technology when in the car. If a driver must call or text, the safest thing to do is to pull over at a safe location to do so. When you are finished, resume driving.
What Should You Do if You are Involved in an Automobile Accident with a Distracted Driver?
If you or a family member are the victims of an automobile accident caused by a distracted driver, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and damages from the person who caused the accident.
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