On the road, a distracted driver could cause a crash that leaves you or a loved one seriously hurt. Moreover, many people lose their lives due to distracted driving, and it is essential to go over the various reasons why drivers become distracted. Some drivers fail to remember that even seemingly brief, minor distractions can divert their attention and lead to a devastating accident.
It is essential for drivers to go over the many ways in which distracted driving occurs, and for the victims of these collisions to take a firm stand for their rights.
Behaviors that lead to distracted driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covers some of the ways in which drivers become distracted. For example, some distractions are visual, causing drivers to take their eyes off of the road, while others are manual (taking hands off of the steering wheel) or cognitive (losing mental focus). Many drivers become distracted due to their phone and other electronic devices, such as a GPS. Eating, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio and adjusting mirrors can also distract drivers.
Statistics on distracted driving
The CDC states that distracted driving claims roughly eight lives every day in the U.S. Estimates suggest that during 2018, 400,000 people sustained injuries in traffic collisions involving distracted drivers, and more than 2,800 people lost their lives in these accidents.
Even if you carefully pay attention to the road while driving, another driver’s carelessness could lead to a serious crash. If a distracted driver caused you to suffer injuries, you need to immediately look into your options.