In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are all around us, and unfortunately, they often follow us onto the roads. Distracted driving has become an increasingly pervasive issue. But how can you combat these distractions, and why is it so important to be attentive behind the wheel?
The Impact of Distracted Driving
To understand why it is important to stay focused while you are on the road, we first must understand the impact of distracted driving. Distracted driving by definition refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from you operating a vehicle. These distractions can be categorized into three main types, these being:
Visual Distractions
A visual distraction is one that would take your eyes off the road. These distractions can include looking at your phone, talking with a passenger, or looking at an object inside of your car. These distractions can be the most dangerous, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Admission, “Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 Miles Per Hour, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.”
Manual Distractions
A manual distraction is one that has you take your hands off the wheel. This can be eating some food, reaching for an item in another seat, messing around with your stereo, or using your phone.
Cognitive Distractions
These distractions involve taking your mind off of driving. Activities like daydreaming, engaging in some intense conversations, or driving with the stress of personal issues.
Understanding what can be a distraction is vital to understanding how to keep your attention on the road. That being said, why is it so important to give driving your complete and total attention?
Alarming Statistics
With car crashes on the rise it is important to recognize the common factors that lead to a car accident, and more specifically the leading cause of car accidents, distracted driving.
- 8% of fatal crashes, 14% of injury crashes, and 13% of all police reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 were reported as distraction affected crashes. (NHTSA)
- In 2021 there were 644 non occupants (pedestrians, cyclists, and others) killed in distracted driving crashes. (NHTSA)
- In 2021 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving. (NHTSA)
With these statistics on the rise, it proves crucial that you stay alert while you are behind the wheel.
The Importance of Staying Attentive
Maintaining attentiveness on the road is crucial for several reasons:
Safety
When drivers are fully attentive, they can better anticipate and react to potential hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. By staying focused on the road, drivers can quickly respond to unexpected situations and make split-second decisions that may save lives.
Legal Responsibility
Drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely. Engaging in distractions while driving not only endangers lives but also exposes individuals to potential legal consequences, including civil liability for injuries caused by their negligence.
Setting an Example
As responsible drivers, it is essential to set a positive example for others, particularly younger and less experienced drivers. By demonstrating attentive and focused driving behaviors, we contribute to a culture of safety on the roads.
Preventing Traumatic Brain Injuries
Distracted driving accidents often result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage. By staying attentive, drivers can help prevent these life-altering injuries and their far reaching consequences.
The risks of getting into a car accident due to distracted driving is too high to put yourself at risk. Wait to send that text, or have someone else in the car respond to it. You never need to put you and your loved ones at risk to grab something out of a seat, or change your music, try to keep your eyes on the road at all times. In the chance that you or someone you know has been injured in a distracted driving accident it is important to reach out to the best car accident lawyers. The car accident lawyers at LifeLaw Personal Injury have over 50 years of combined legal experience, and can provide you with expert legal support to help you navigate this complex legal process. Contact LifeLaw Personal Injury today for a free consultation and to get the best car accident lawyers to support you.