The Facts About Distracted Driving and its Consequences

We have devised more ways to distract ourselves than ever before, especially when driving. Everything from the various screens demanding our attention to the stress of traveling with children and animals can cause an unfortunate accident. We as drivers have a tendency to do these things with the assumption that we will always be able to “save ourselves” should something happen, but unfortunately that is simply not the case.

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Before we talk more about the dangers of distracted driving, it’s important to note that all car accident claims should be handled by trusted legal professionals in order to maximize the chances of success. Van Law Firm has helped innumerable accident victims get the treatment, compensation, and vehicle repairs they deserve. When you’re ready to defend your rights, call our office nearest you to get started. 

What are the Most Dangerous Distractions for Drivers?

The dangers of distracted driving have long been an important issue, but we’ve only scratched the surface in terms of research and reliable data. That being said, a leading safety technology company known as Lyftx has recently released some figures related to distracted driving that help put the risks into perspective. 

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Driving while eating: According to Lytx’s study, drivers who are eating or drinking while driving are just over 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who aren’t. In addition, when drivers have something in their hands when facing danger, they have a tendency to jerk the wheel, which can make the situation even worse. 

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Issues with hands-free devices: Even though we have largely switched to hands-free electronics for the express purpose of eliminating distractions, that has not been the case. In fact, hands-free devices were found to be even more dangerous than eating or drinking, in that drivers using them are 4.6 times more likely to experience a crash than they would without them. A lot of the time, we fumble and fidget with these gadgets to the point that hands-free no longer applies. 

Distractions from electronic devices: It should come as no surprise to anyone that electronics are still king in terms of their ability to cause collisions. They make drivers 4.8 times more likely to be involved in a crash, and that number is only increasing over time. Products such as phone holders are often marketed as safety devices when in reality they enable even more useful. 

The Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is something to be avoided, as nothing good can come of it, including legally. If you cause an accident because of a distraction, you will have little to no defense and will likely be liable for the injured party’s damages. Additionally, even if someone else caused the accident but it was discovered that you were distracted at the time– for instance, if you were T-boned in an intersection where you had the right of way, but camera footage shows that you were looking at your phone–then you will likely recover less than you would otherwise. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, some may view your distraction as being contributory. 

Contact Car Accident Attorneys Now 

Distracted driving can have a negative impact on the driver’s life, but their victims can suffer life-changing injuries. If you’ve been hurt due to the negligent driving of another, don’t wait–call Van Law Firm now to defend your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. We’ve helped countless drivers get back on the road, and we’re standing by ready to help you in your time of need.