Distracted driving is a public health issue impacting communities across the United States. Nationwide, distracted driving causes around one-fourth of all fatal car accidents. In 2016 alone, an estimated 391,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents across the country. To raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, the National Safety Council (NSC) named April Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to NSC estimates, mores than one-quarter of all motor vehicle crashes involve cell phones. It is not only mobile phones leading to accidents; there are plenty of other distractions keeping driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.
Common Driving Distractions
It only takes five seconds for a distracted driving accident to occur. Looking away from the road while driving an average speed of 55 miles per hour is like driving the length of a football field while blindfolded. You simply cannot see or avoid hazards ahead. Even the best-intentioned driver may not realize they are committing one of the riskiest behaviors behind the wheel. If you are diligent about not calling or texting on your cell phone while driving, many other things can divert your attention from safe driving. The most common causes include:
- Adjusting interior vehicle controls
- Applying make-up or personal grooming
- Attending to children or pets
- Cell phone use
- Daydreaming
- Eating or drinking
- Locating, lighting, and putting out cigarettes
- Moving or picking up objects
- Setting or looking at GPS systems
- Talking to passengers
While talking, texting, and scrolling social media all contribute to car accidents, many people do not realize that just reaching for the phone is considered distracted driving, especially when it requires you to leave your seated position or unfasten your seat belt.
Preventing Accidents
Fortunately, distracted driving is a preventable behavior. Going hands-free is the easiest and most effective way to prevent phone-related distracted driving. Consider using Bluetooth or Siri to send a text or make a call. Or, if you prefer, many easy-to-use apps are available to temporarily silence your phone while the car is in motion.
We spend so much time in our cars that it can be hard to resist eating, drinking, or sending that text during your morning commute. To prevent serious and fatal distracted driving accidents, respond to emails, secure your belongings, settle on a favorite music channel, and plug in your hands-free GPS before you drive.
Atlantic City Personal Injury Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Advocate for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, it is important to take certain steps to protect yourself and any claim you choose to bring in the future. The Atlantic City personal injury lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm review every detail of your accident to determine who may be at fault. They work tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and property damage so you can begin the healing process. To get started today, call 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, we serve clients throughout the area, including Atlantic City and South Jersey.