What Is Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Association:
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
How Many Car Accidents Are The Result of Distracted Driving?
While it would be nearly impossible to total the number of accidents that have occurred due to distracted driving some statistics reflect its dangers. For instance, in 2019 alone, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving drivers distracted by their cell phones.
There are many other distractions that impair drivers and create an unsafe environment for other vehicles on the road. Some of the most common distractions that lead to car accidents include:
Talking and Texting: These days we spend a lot of time focused on our smartphones. Unfortunately, using your phone to talk or text is one of the most common reasons for car accidents today. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that 26% of all car crashes involve cell phones.
Looking For Directions: Even though most GPS systems are automated and give you out loud commands to help you get where you are going, they still pose a danger to drivers on the road. You should always type in the location you are driving to before you start your vehicle. Additionally, it is recommended to review the directions and map ahead of time to minimize confusion while driving.
Adjusting Music: Listening to music while driving is extremely common but comes with some risk. First of all, you will want to ensure the music is not too loud to hear what it going on around you. Secondly, taking time to look for a certain song or adjust the controls related to your audio can distract you from road hazards.
Talking To Passengers: It can be easy to get caught up in a good conversation with your passengers. You may be laughing or feel compelled to face them when you speak. It is important to keep your primary focus on driving and your surroundings in order to prevent accidents from occurring.
Handling Children or Pets: It’s not safe – for you or them – to drive with your pet loose in the vehicle, but that doesn’t stop quite a few people from doing it. Sadly, when pets move around your car or sit in your lap, they become distractions. And as all parents know, having children in a car can be at least as bad. They yell to get your attention. They complain that they need things. They fight. It’s all too easy to have your attention pulled from the road.
Distracted Driving Attorney in Houston
Have you been involved in a Houston car accident due to a distracted driver? If so, our law firm can help you get justice in your car accident case.
We have worked with a wide range of victims that have been injured in distracted driving accidents to help them get the compensation they deserve. Contact our personal injury lawyer in Houston, Texas to learn more about how we can help you.
Beverly R Caruthers Law Office
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 620
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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