What Is Distracted Driving and Why Do People Do It?
Distracted driving is not a new phenomenon. After all, distracted driving refers to any activity that moves a drivers eyes from the road to another task. That could be eating something, changing stations on the car radio, or looking at a map. Unfortunately, digital devices have brought new ways for drivers to avert their attention from the road.
With injuries and fatalities happening because of distracted driving, it is important for drivers to be aware of the dangers and resist the urge to take their focus off of the road. If you have been injured in a car accident, talk to a Bucks County personal injury attorney to secure compensation.
Checking Calls and Texts
Many are accustomed to checking their phones repeatedly throughout the day. Thinking of it as multitasking, individuals regularly pick up their phone to check texts, emails, and social media while watching TV, working on a laptop, or while sitting on a porch with friends and family. They do it so often, they forget that moving attention away from one activity makes them less aware of the other activity.
When you are driving, a few seconds can be the difference between a safe ride home and a car crash. Driving conditions and other cars change without warning, leading to hazardous situations.
Sometimes a driver is distracted because of the alerts on their phone. Even when a driver hears an alert they have to remember they do not need to answer the call or message immediately. It can be particularly tempting to answer right away if an individual is expecting an important message. If this is the case, the driver should simply pull over to a safe location. From there, they can look over their alerts.
Dangers of Hands-Free Devices
While many utilize hands-free technology, there are times when these devices lead to a false sense of safety. This is because some drivers who use voice or dashboard controls may believe they are not distracted because they are not taking their hands off the steering wheel or averting their eyes from the road. But when someone takes their attention off of the task of driving, it is dangerous. So, when someone is in conversation and the discussion is top of mind, they may be slower to respond to road risks.
Some studies have stated distracted drivers are just as dangerous as drunk drivers. Everyone on the road needs to focus on putting safety first. Resist the urge to use electronic devices or participate in other forms of distracted driving. Also, encourage the ones you love to do the same to prevent accidents.
Contact a Bucks County Personal Injury Lawyer
Distracted driving can lead to accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured, reach out to an experienced legal team. A Bucks County personal injury attorney at Kardos, Rickles & Hand will work with you for the best possible outcome, whether that is through securing maximum compensation from the liable driver or from your insurance company. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.
https://www.krhlaw.com/exploring-insurance-options-to-settle-a-personal-injury-claim/
