Types of Distracted Driving that Contribute to Car Accidents
Many drivers multi-task while operating their vehicle. They often believe they can maintain control of their car and remain focused on the road, despite distractions. Unfortunately, this is not always true, as evidenced by the fact that distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States.
Victims of car accidents caused by the different types of distracted driving can work with a knowledgeable auto accident attorney who will seek compensation for losses stemming from the collision. The team at Moody Law, P.A., serving Lakeland, FL, Winter Haven, FL, and surrounding areas, help clients obtain favorable compensation for accident damages.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can describe any task that takes a person’s eyes, hands, or mind off the responsibility of driving. While some types of distracted driving, like cell phone use, are discussed regularly, there are many forms of distracted driving that people practice regularly without even realizing that it increases the risk of a car accident.
Cell Phone Use
Texting while driving is probably the most well-known form of distracted driving. There has been a large push to bring awareness to the dangers of texting while driving, and urge people to wait until they have arrived at their destination to check or respond to texts. Unfortunately, many people still text while driving, and that is just one type of cell phone use that is practiced on the road.
Making a phone call, taking a photo, and doing a “quick” Google search are all types of distracted driving that draw the eyes, hands, and mind, away from driving, therefore increasing the risk of an accident.
Eating
People today tend to lead busy lives, and eating a meal in the car has become more common. Many people don’t think twice about eating while they are driving, but it can be a big distraction. Like cell phone use, eating is something that occupies the eyes, hands, and mind.
Talking to Other Occupants
Drivers often share their car with other people. Having a friendly chat while driving may seem second nature, but it can serve as a distraction, especially if drivers takes their eyes off the road to look at their friends or use their hands to gesticulate. Talking to other occupants is especially distracting for teens and new drivers, whose inexperience requires that they put their entire focus on the task of driving.
Adjusting Settings in the Car
Turning the volume up on the radio, adjusting the heat or air, and changing the radio station are forms of distraction. With a hand and the eyes off the road for even a few seconds, a driver’s risk of a collision increases significantly.
Outside Distractions
Not all of driver distractions are inside the car. When an accident occurs or there are other people or objects on the road, it can pull a driver’s eyes and mind away from what they are doing. It is good for drivers to be aware of their surroundings, but they need to be cautious about remaining focused on the operation of their vehicle.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving, you may be due financial compensation for resulting losses. To discuss the details of your case with one of our auto accident attorneys at Moody Law, P.A., send us a message online, or call our practice at (863) 284-9090. We serve client in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and surrounding areas.