Drinking and driving is not the only dangerous behavior that is causing injuries and fatalities. Another irresponsible habit is distracted driving. When motorists give in to distractions, they put your life at risk.
Distractions divert the attention of drivers from the act of driving, which can easily result in a crash. Get the facts so you can know the risks and be ready to take legal action if a distracted motorist injures you.
Serious consequences
Here are some startling statistics about distracted driving from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- 391,000 people got hurt in distracted driving accidents in 2015.
- Distracted driving killed 3,450 people in 2016.
- Approximately 481,000 motorists use cellphones during the daytime.
This demonstrates the severity of the issue. Every time a driver gives in to distractions, he or she is knowingly putting you in danger.
Dangerous distractions
Distracted driving takes many forms, including the following:
- Manual distractions: These distractions make the driver take one or both hands off the steering wheel. These include eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, fiddling with the GPS, changing the climate controls or trying to retrieve something from a wallet or purse.
- Visual distractions: Visual distractions occur when a motorist looks at something else instead of the road. This may happen when a driver uses a GPS or looks into the backseat to check on kids or pets.
- Cognitive distractions: Sometimes, mental distractions are deadly. Some things that cause cognitive distractions include talking to passengers, listening to a podcast or thinking about stressful issues.
Of course, texting and driving combines all of these distractions, making it particularly deadly.
When drivers take their minds off driving, hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, they may cause you to get into a severe collision. If an inattentive motorist hurts you, you may face significant injuries and medical expenses. Make sure you explore your legal options to hold distracted drivers accountable for hurting you.