10 Major Actions That Contribute to Distracted Driving from Car Accident Attorneys
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on December 19, 2016
Driving is a major part of everyday life for most people. In fact, it’s so natural that we rarely think of the potential dangers that exist when we get behind the wheel. As car accident attorneys in Louisville, Kentucky, we’re well aware that there are different factors that cause a car accident. And distracted driving is one of the most common. In fact, did you know that roughly 25% of accidents occur from distracted driving?
Bruce Hamilton, research manager for AAA, says that some in-vehicle distractions have little impact on a driver’s ability to focus on the road, while others present a much bigger danger.
In recent years there have been many technological innovations designed to make driving safer. These include side mirrors, airbags, hands free phone connections, and rear vehicle cameras. But even with new safety innovations, there are still plenty of distractions inside people’s cars. Hamilton says that “hands-free doesn’t always mean risk-free” and distracted driving is still a major issue in our society.
These days, when you hear the term “distracted driving,” you probably think of texting or talking on the phone while driving. In actuality, technology is not the most common distraction while driving and technological distractions are not the majority of the top 10 list of cause of distracted driving.
Top 10 Causes of Distracted Driving
Do you know the main causes of distracted driving? Follow along for a list of the top 10 things that tend to distract drivers.
- Daydreaming – It is dangerous to be lost in thought and detached from reality behind the wheel. According to Erie Insurance, daydreamers account for 62% of driving fatalities in 2013.
- Cell Phones – Cell phone use is not the top cause of distracted driving, but it is close. Many state laws have passed in recent years to keep drivers from using their phones on the road. However, it still occurs more frequently than it should. Texting, specifically, is one of the most dangerous distractions and is illegal in many states. This happens most frequently amongst young adult drivers.
- Outside Distractions – It is easy to get distracted on the road by outside persons, objects, or events. Things such as billboard ads and new restaurants on the side of the highway can be distracting. Similarly, bad car accidents can cause people to stop paying attention to the vehicle they are driving. Admittedly, all of us at some point have turned around to look at something outside of the vehicle and briefly taken our eyes off the road.
- Passengers – Other occupants in the car with us can be extremely enjoyable, but it can also be very distracting.
- Devices – Using or reaching for a device brought into the vehicle can also cause drivers to become easily distracted.
- Food & Drinks – Eating or drinking is a big cause for distracted driving, especially if handling something messy or if a spill occurs. People who often eat a lot of fast food while on-the-go are at a higher risk of being involved in a wreck.
- Hands Off the Wheel – Adjusting controls and removing your hands from the wheel at any given time can cause you to become distracted.
- In-Vehicle Adjustments – Using vehicle-related devices/controls while operating the vehicle is a huge distraction. If you are adjusting things like mirrors or seat-belts, pull over and stop the car while you do so.
- Moving Objects – Moving objects in the car – bugs, pets, and even children – can lead you to take your eyes off the road.
- Smoking – Smoking-related activities such as smoking, lighting up, or putting ashes in the ashtray can cause distractions that lead to accidents.
Injured in a Car Accident due to Distracted Driving?
As car accident attorneys, we want to encourage you to stay safe on the road and to limit possible distractions while you are behind the wheel. But if you or someone you love is ever the victim of a car accident in Kentucky or Southern, Indiana, we’re here to help. We’ve got an A+ BBB rating and over 45 combined years of legal experience defending the rights of car accident victims. For more information or a free case consultation with a car accident attorney, give us a call at 502-459-7555 or contact us online.