Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounts for 6 percent of all fatal crashes and 15 percent of all injury crashes. If you’re involved in an accident caused by another person’s distracted driving, you should hire a personal injury lawyer in Sherwood Park. Distractions are any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off the task of driving. They include:
Texting and distractions
As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving causes more than 1.6 million crashes per year — and leads to more deaths than drunk driving. The problem is so bad that some states have banned texting while behind the wheel.
Texting and driving are a dangerous activity that causes thousands of accidents on the road every year. While some people may be tempted to do this because they think it is safer than talking on the phone, this is not the case. Texting takes your attention away from the road, which could result in you missing any hazards that appear directly in front of you—like another car or a person crossing the street who didn’t see you coming.
In addition to taking your eyes off the road or, texting or calling while driving has been shown to cause other problems with your driving. For example, suppose you’re sending messages while driving. In that case, your brain will take time to refocus after receiving or sending a text, which can lead to poor decision-making regarding things like changing lanes or adjusting the speed on the road.
If insurance isn’t an option, then you can try to get compensation through court. An injury lawyer will be able to help navigate these waters while making sure that everything is done legally and ethically.
Other Causes:
• Talking on a phone without a hands-free device. While using a hands-free device may be safer than holding your phone while you talk, it’s still dangerous because it takes your attention away from the road.
• Eating and drinking while driving. Even if you’re taking a sip of water, taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can lead to an accident. So make sure any snacks or drinks are out of reach before starting your car, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road for them on the go!
• Grooming yourself, such as applying makeup or shaving
• Using a navigation system or GPS device while behind the wheel
It’s important for drivers not to become complacent about distracted driving because it can happen to anyone at any time. By being aware of what you’re doing when you get behind the wheel, you can help prevent distracted driving from becoming the cause of a severe accident. With a lawyer, you’ll be able to get fair compensation for your losses.