More Distracted Drivers Means More Distracted Driving Injuries
According to the National Center of Statistics and Analysis, each day in the United States, distracted driving results in: (1) approximately nine people being killed; and (2) 1,000 more being injured. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes caused by distracted drivers.
Distracted driving accidents can be very costly for the victims. From medical bills and car repairs to time away from work for recovery, these costs can be unrelenting.
Texting while driving
- Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving, as it takes the driver’s attention away from the road and hands off the steering wheel. When texting while driving, the driver is not only putting themselves at risk, but also other motorists and pedestrians. In addition to causing accidents, distracted driving can also lead to traffic violations and costly premiums. For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and take steps to avoid it. If you must text while driving, pull over to a safe location first. By being mindful of the risks of distracted driving, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Talking on a cell phone while driving
- When drivers take their eyes off the road to look at their phones, they are more likely to cause an accident. In addition, distracted drivers are less likely to see pedestrians or other vehicles, and are more likely to run red lights. Drivers who use their phones while driving should be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid distracted driving. One way to do this is to put the phone out of reach while driving or to use hands-free technology. By being aware of the dangers of talking on a cell phone while driving, drivers can help to keep themselves and others safe on the road.
Brushing hair, applying makeup, shaving, and other types of grooming
- Another common form of distracted driving is grooming. Whether it’s putting on makeup, fixing your hair, or shaving, grooming while driving is extremely dangerous. It takes your attention away from the road and can result in accidents. If you must groom while driving, pull over to a safe location first. Otherwise, wait until you reach your destination to take care of your personal hygiene.
Reading
- Reading while driving is a form of distracted driving and can be extremely dangerous. When people take their eyes off the road to read, they are not only missing what is happening in front of them, but they are also not able to react quickly if something happens. This can lead to accidents, and even serious injuries or fatalities. In addition, reading while driving can also lead to distracted driving-related citations from law enforcement. If you must read while driving, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk. First, make sure you are only reading materials that are relevant to your current task. Second, keep your eyes moving regularly so that you are scanning the road ahead as well as the material you are reading. And finally, be prepared to stop reading if any unexpected situations arise.
Changing radio stations
- One of the most common distracted driving activities is changing the radio station while driving. This may seem like a harmless task, but it can quickly become dangerous. Once your eyes leave the road to find the right button, you are no longer focused on driving. This increases your risk of missing something important, such as a stopped car or pedestrian. In addition, one of your hands is also taken off the wheel when you change the station, which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle. For these reasons, it is best to avoid changing the radio station while driving too frequently.
Adjusting climate control settings
- It’s a hot summer day and you’re driving to your destination when you realize that the temperature in your car is uncomfortably warm. So, you reach over to adjust the climate control settings. But wait! Is it safe to do this while driving? The short answer is no. Anytime you take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road, you are distracted and are increasing your risk of getting into an accident. Even if you’re just making a quick adjustment, it’s not worth the risk. If you need to cool down, pull over to a safe location first. Then, you can take your time adjusting the temperature to your liking. The same goes for any other adjustments that need to be made while driving, such as changing the radio station or adjusting your seat. It’s always best to wait until you are stopped before making any changes. Otherwise, you could end up putting yourself and others in danger.
Changing music on an mp3 player, iPod, iPhone, or other devices
- Changing music on an mp3 player, iPod, iPhone, or other devices while driving can be a major distracted driving hazard. Even if the driver is only taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds, that can be enough time for an accident to happen. In fact, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. If you must change your music while driving, make sure to pull over to a safe location first. This will help ensure that you and other drivers are safe on the road.
Eating and drinking
- Eating and drinking while driving is a common practice, but it can be dangerous. When drivers take their eyes off the road to eat or drink, they are distracted and more likely to be involved in an accident. In addition, spilled food or drinks can create hazardous conditions for other drivers. While it may be tempting to grab a quick bite while on the road, it is important to remember that safety should always come first. If you need to eat, pull over to a rest area or park and enjoy your meal there. Your fellow drivers will thank you for it.
Talking to passengers
- Talking to passengers while driving can be a form of distracted driving. While it may not seem like a big deal, even a brief conversation can take your attention away from the road and increase your risk of being involved in an accident. If you must talk to someone while driving, make sure to keep the conversation short and focused on safe topics that won’t distract you from the task at hand. Remember, your first priority should always be to focus on driving safely.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of a distracted driver, a trial attorney may be able to help you recover the compensation you needed to pay for your medical bills, future care needs, and other damages. Given all that is at stake, a trial attorney experienced in distracted driving cases is your best bet.
Trial Lawyers with Proven Success in High-Stakes Injury Cases
The trial attorneys at Harrison Davis routinely seek justice on behalf of clients who have had their lives turned upside down by distracted driving accidents. In over 40 years of service, our firm’s commitment to legal excellence has never wavered. Our job is to stand up for our clients and provide them with the experienced, innovative advocacy they deserve.
Contact a Texas Trial Attorney Experienced in Distracted Driving Cases
Call us at 800-460-2756, or contact us online, to arrange a free consultation and receive the answers you need following a motor vehicle accident. We will help you understand the legal process for filing an auto accident claim, provide you with straightforward advice about your case and the likelihood of success, and address all other questions that you may have.
FAQs
How many people are injured by distracted drivers each year?
The number of people injured in accidents involving distracted driving continues to rise, with an estimated 424 thousand last year. This is not only tragic for those involved but also significant cost — both financially and emotionally–to society at large.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were over 450 traffic wrecks caused by someone using their phone while driving which resulted in falls or other injuries.
Can I get compensation after an accident caused by a distracted driver?
The answer to this question is usually “yes.” Like other cases involving personal injury, an injured party must be able to show that his or her accident was caused by someone else’s legal negligence. Almost every conceivable distracted driving will constitute negligent action which means it’s just a matter of finding evidence for any distractive activities during your trip home from work so you can recover compensation!
How big of a problem is distracted driving in texas?
Distracted driving is a big problem in Texas. In 2016, distracted driving was responsible for more than 100,000 crashes in the state, resulting in 444 deaths and 3,016 serious injuries. The problem is only getting worse; from 2014 to 2016, the number of distracted driving crashes increased by 46%. Texting is the most common form of distracted driving, but other activities such as talking on the phone, eating, or changing the radio can also be distracting.
What are my rights if I am involved in an accident with a driver who was on their phone? If you are involved in an accident with a driver who was distracted by their phone, you may be wondering what your rights are. Generally speaking, distracted driving is considered to be negligent behavior, and the distracted driver can be held liable for any damages that result from the accident. This means that you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses. In some cases, you may even be able to seek punitive damages if the distracted driver’s behavior was particularly egregious. If you have been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Can a Texas driver legally text while stopped at a red light?
Texting while driving is a dangerous distracted driving behavior that all Texas drivers should avoid. Although you may be tempted to send a quick text while stopped at a red light, it is not worth the risk. If you are caught texting while driving, you could be fined up to $200 for your first offense. Not only is texting while driving illegal, but it is also dangerous. When you take your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, you increase your risk of crashing. If you must send a text, pull over to a safe location first. Or, better yet, wait until you can park to send your text. By avoiding distracted driving behaviors like texting while stopped at a red light, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
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