Risks of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents in the United States. Nationwide, nine people are killed every day in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such accidents can happen when a motorist fails to pay sufficient attention to driving. This can include driving absentmindedly or while multitasking. These distractions shift attention from navigating the road safely and endanger the lives of others. Fortunately, distracted driving can be prevented. When driving, motorists can manage hazardous distractions by focusing on safe driving. Distracted driving endangers not only the driver's life but also that of other road users. Motorists can take protective measures to reduce the risk of distracted driving.

What Is Distracted Driving?

According to the NHTSA, distracted driving can include activities that divert attention from driving. These activities, which can potentially include eating, drinking, texting, daydreaming, etc., have the potential to lead to a catastrophic accident. Three types of distractions a driver may experience include visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.

Visual Distractions: Visual distractions divert the driver’s eyes from the road. They include reading a text or scrolling through an electronic device such as a phone or iPad. Visual distractions can significantly increase the risk of a car accident.
Manual Distractions: Manual distractions are activities that force the driver to take their hands off the wheel. For instance, when dialing a phone and answering a handheld phone.
Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mental attention and focus off the road. This type of distraction can involve thoughts about something other than the driving task.

Ways To Prevent Distracted Driving

Drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care while operating motor vehicles on New York roads, and drivers can uphold this duty of care by focusing on the road ahead. One common potential distraction is cell phone use. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 1225-d provides that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while such vehicle is in motion.” Drivers who violate this law can easily become distracted. Be Safe While Driving When drivers don’t focus on the road accidents can occur, causing injuries to themselves, passengers, and other innocent road users. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. If you were injured because of a car accident or pedestrian accident and are looking for a lawyer, you can contact William Mattar, P.C. by calling our office and request a free initial consultation .