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In the United States, about eight people die every day in accidents believed to be related to distracted driving [1]. Distracted driving refers to driving alongside doing other things, increasing the likelihood of a car accident.
Anything that distracts you from driving may cause serious harm—writing text messages, using a mobile phone, navigation system, and eating are all examples of distracted driving. Any of these disturbances will put you, your passengers, and others at risk.
Do you know the main cause of distraction accidents? Motor vehicle accident attorneys believe that factors that contribute to distracted driving include using mobile phones, looking inside or outside the car, listening to music, and looking for other things while driving.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has long focused on distracted and novice drivers. After an investigation, the commission recommended that all states prohibit teenagers and individuals with temporary licenses from using mobile phones while driving.
Texting while driving: The National Security Council estimates that 26% of all car accidents are related to mobile phones. Checking new messages or replying to an urgent text in-midst of driving leads to most of the accidents that fall under distracted driving cases.
Global Positioning System (GPS): We rely on GPS to get from point A to point B while driving. However, setting a GPS route while driving is as dangerous as writing a text message. Even the simple act of turning your attention away from the road and looking at the map can lead to disaster. If you’re using GPS, make sure to set it up and turn up the volume so that you can hear the instructions instead of staring at the screen.
Playing music/changing music while driving: Suppose your son yells at you in the back seat to play his music. Or the radio is too loud. Pressing a button or two may not seem trivial, but it can distract you, especially when you have to look away. Rarely or not, this can mean the difference between accidents and smooth driving.
Doing make-up: Sometimes, you just don’t have time to get ready before getting in the car. Unfortunately, many people think that driving a car provides an opportunity to finish the last-minute touches, such as applying lipstick or applying deodorant. Unsurprisingly, these actions of removing your hands from the steering wheel and not looking at the road can easily lead to accidents.
Talking to fellow passengers: Having a conversation while driving may sound right, but this is one of the worst things you can do while driving and lead to an accident.
Distraction while driving is a severe violation of the law. If you are responsible for a distraction accident, the physical, emotional, legal, and economic consequences can be severe.
Although there is currently no national law prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, most states have implemented some form of ban, whether it is text messaging, wearable device bans, or age restrictions.
If you are found to be violating local laws regarding distracted driving, you will be penalized. In several states, including New York and Wisconsin, drivers have deducted points every time they are stopped for distracted driving. If you earn enough points, your license may be suspended or revoked.
For those who are in the habit of driving while being distracted should definitely opt for higher insurance coverage amount. The financial loss in such cases can be huge as the sufferer can go through major financial setbacks in the form of job loss due to the injury and treatment cost. The financial impact can be minimized with the help of the best attorneys nearby as they can guide you regarding your claim and also deal with your insurance provider while you focus only on recovery.
‘Duty of care” requires drivers to “act with caution,” which is a legal requirement to maintain reasonable standards of care when engaging in activities that may harm others. If you are distracted while driving and you fail to comply with this duty of care, it can be considered as deliberate negligence, and you may be liable for any damage caused by this.
There are distracted traffic laws to control people from practicing distractions while driving. It is a serious accident risk for newly licensed young drivers as well as experienced ones. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) researchers found that being distracted with things inside or outside the car is one of three “serious mistakes,” accounting for nearly half of all major teenage car accidents.
At present, 22 states, including Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have banned all drivers from using mobile phones and exercise primary enforcement powers. Twenty-three states and Washington, DC prohibit school bus drivers from using mobile phones. In 2007, Washington became the first state to ban texting while driving. Currently, sending text messages while driving is prohibited in 48 states, including Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With numerous federal and state laws on distracted driving motor vehicle accidents, it is suggested that you consult a motor vehicle accident lawyer if you are involved in a distracted driving accident. We at, The Legal Helpers, bridge the communication between you and a deserving attorney for your case. Our aim is to simplify the process to get a suitable lawyer and take you a step closer to your legal triumph!
To file a lawsuit or defend one regarding distracted driving motor vehicle accidents, fill-up the form now!
Resources:
1. https://www.teendriversource.org/thinking-of-driving/other-traffic-safety-laws/distracted-driving-laws
