Reasons Distracted Driving Can Lead to Dangerous Car Accidents
Driving is such a commonplace activity that many people do not realize how dangerous it can be. Motor vehicles weigh thousands of pounds, and even at relatively slow speeds, a collision can cause a great deal of damage. While modern cars and trucks have a variety of safety systems, drivers and passengers can still suffer serious injuries in car accidents. Because of this, drivers should take care to operate their vehicles safely at all times. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to do so, and distracted driving is one of the most common forms of driver negligence that can lead to dangerous accidents and injuries to other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, or pedestrians.
Types of Driver Distractions
Drivers should always pay close attention to the road and the act of driving, but there are a variety of issues that can cause them to become distracted. In some cases, a person’s attention may wander, especially if they are driving on familiar routes, such as traveling to and from work. Drivers may also try to divide their attention and complete other tasks while driving, or they may be distracted by other people in their vehicles.
Distractions are classified into one or more of the following categories:
- Visual distractions - A driver may take their eyes off the road, causing them to fail to notice the movements of other vehicles or pedestrians. Once they become aware of potential hazards, they may not have enough time to slow down and avoid a collision or steer around vehicles, people, or obstacles.
- Manual distractions - A driver may take their hands off the steering wheel to perform other tasks, such as eating and drinking, adjusting the radio or environmental controls, or reaching for items in their vehicle. This may cause them to lose control of their vehicle, especially if they need to react quickly to avoid a collision.
- Cognitive distractions - A driver may not pay full attention to what is happening around their vehicle, including traffic signals, the speed of other vehicles, hazards on the road, or weather conditions.
Many forms of distracted driving involve multiple different types of distractions, greatly increasing the likelihood that a driver will become involved in an accident. Texting while driving or other uses of cell phones or electronic devices are especially dangerous, since they involve all three types of distractions. When a driver looks away from the road and at their cell phone screen, takes their hands off the wheel to operate a device, and stops paying attention to the road while reading a text message, watching a video, or checking social media, their ability to drive safely is greatly diminished, and this can cause serious injuries to others.
Contact Our Aurora Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
When a distracted driver is responsible for a car accident, they may be held liable for the injuries and damages suffered by others who are involved. At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, PC, we can help you gather evidence to show that a driver was at fault for an accident, and we will work to ensure that you are fully compensated for your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Kane County car accident attorneys at 630-907-0909.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html
https://www.enddd.org/the-facts-about-distracted-driving/
https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving
