Cell Phones and Driver Distraction
It is becoming increasingly apparent that a growing number of people now prefer their social media over their own safety. While people are falling over cliff faces taking selfies, drivers on our nation’s busy highways are still failing to pay the proper attention required behind the wheel. Thousands of accidents occur every day due to driver error and, more specifically, driver distraction. If you have been involved in a car accident and suspect that the other driver was texting and driving, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you have suffered, helping you get on the road to recovery.
Distracted Drivers: A Continuing Epidemic
While they may be wonderful tools to stay connected, our mobile devices come with their downsides. One such disadvantage is that to use such a device, you must be essentially face-down looking at screen. Cell phones are obviously extremely useful when it comes to navigating city streets and routes for your errands and road trips, but the habit of texting while behind the wheel is extremely dangerous. Young people, especially, are prone to this and are often also the victims when a serious crash occurs and someone is injured.
So, what exactly are the types of distractions that can affect a driver, cell phone-related or not? Experts say that such distractions can be categorized into three basic types:
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road;
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and
- Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving.
What is troubling is that texting while driving incorporates all three of these distractions, making the practice very hazardous. It is especially dangerous when younger drivers are behind the wheel, as they are obviously less experienced drivers and more prone to losing control of their vehicle even under the best circumstances. Illinois law bans the use of a mobile device while driving either being used for texting or a handheld conversation.
It is also important to consider who is in the car with a young driver, contributing further to their distraction. Fellow passengers could be drunk or under the influence, or simply talking too much and too fast with the driver. This is why is important to remind young drivers how responsible they are to themselves, others with them and others around them. Their actions could impact another family for a lifetime.
Caring and Aggressive Legal Assistance
In the event you or a family member has been seriously hurt in a car accident, call on a firm with experience and compassion. Contact an experienced Kane County personal injury attorney at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, P.C., today. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation with a member of our team today.
Sources:
http://www.nsc.org/DistractedDrivingDocuments/NSC-Under-Reporting-White-Paper.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-610.2
