Distracted Driving: A Leading Cause of Car Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of car accidents in the United States, not just in Texas. Many people lose their lives due to crashes involving distracted driving.
In Odessa, the fatality rate of car accidents has been reducing over the last years, reaching an all-time low of 1.98 per 100 miles.
Nevertheless, accidents causing serious injuries are fairly common. An experienced car accident attorney in Odessa, TX, will help victims whose lives have been impacted by these incidents.
This article will focus on distracted driving and why it is still a menace among drivers. We will also cover the different preventive measures drivers can take.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the road. The CDC categorizes distracted driving into three main sections:
Visual
Manual
Cognitive
Visual distraction happens when drivers take their eyes off the road. Results from the Car Naturalistic Driving Study revealed that taking your eyes off the road for two seconds or longer doubles the car crash risk. It is similar to driving across a football pitch while blindfolded.
Manual distractions involve removing your hands from the wheel.
Lastly, drivers are distracted when their minds are elsewhere. This behavior will lead to accidents.
Why Is Distracted Driving a Leading Cause of Accidents?
Distractions affect situational awareness, thus reducing reaction time and increasing the chances of car crashes.
For example, if you take your eyes off the road to check your phone, you might not see a car ahead or a pedestrian in time.
The problem of distracted driving has tremendously increased because of the following factors:
The use of smartphones, where most people text, call, or scroll on social media while driving.
GPS and navigation systems force drivers to remove their hands from the wheel
Eating or drinking while driving
Adjusting the radio system
Conversing with a passenger
Grooming, like applying or retouching makeup and brushing your hair
These activities combine visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. When a driver is distracted, they are less likely to judge distances correctly or respond in time, thus making car crashes common.
In the US, multiple car crashes or pileups are a consequence of distracted driving.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has negative physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Physical Consequences
On a physical level, distracted driving causes severe injuries and fatalities on the road. These affect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. The injuries a victim of a distracted driving accident may suffer include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Cuts and Bruises
Internal Organ Injuries
Fractures
Burns
Emotional Consequences
After a crash due to distracted driving, victims and their families are left with an emotional toll. Those with life-altering injuries have to learn how to cope with their new normal and deal with trauma.
Families may have to deal with grief after losing a loved one or have the burden of caring for a victim. Drivers are also left with guilt from feeling responsible for the accident.
Financial Consequences
The financial impact is also significant. Drivers caught engaging in distracted driving face fines and lawsuits that could result in hefty settlements. Some expenses include:
Medical bills
Vehicle repair
Increased insurance premiums
Long-term health costs such as rehabilitation
Tips on Preventing Distracted Driving
There are some measures drivers can take to prevent distracted driving. They are listed below.
Using hands-free devices when driving
Pulling over to eat or adjust controls
Planning routes in advance or before starting the car
Putting phones on silent or blocking notifications while on the road
Introducing harsh punishment for distracted drivers
Overall, preventing distracted driving requires personal accountability. Safety begins with you.
Conclusion
Sadly, distracted driving is a common occurrence on our roads. This practice endangers people's lives and leaves victims with severe injuries that affect their lives. By practicing safe driving, drivers can ensure the road is safe for all users.
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