Distracted driving is operating a vehicle while performing any activity which could take the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. It can be anything that could take a driver’s eyes off the road, or mental concentration away from operating a vehicle.
Distracted driving can result in traffic citations, car accidents, injuries, and fatalities. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, distracted driving is a factor in approximately one-third of all traffic collisions in the United States every year.
The most common distractions that often results in a car accident include the following:
Cellphones – Whether it is texting and driving or talking on your phone while operating a vehicle, using a cellphone while driving leads to 1.6 million collisions every year in the United States. One out of every four crashes is caused by texting and driving.
Passengers in your car – Even though having someone in your car allows you to take advantage of the carpool lane or switch drivers if you feel tired on a long journey, having an engaging conversation with your passenger can cause you to divert your attention away from the road. Teenagers and inexperienced drivers often get involved in car accidents that are caused by talking to passengers.
Grooming – This activity is performed mostly by those who commute long distances to their job and school to eliminate time getting ready in the morning. However, driving while applying your makeup or brushing your teeth can hinder your reaction time if an unexpected incident occurs on the road.
GPS or navigation system – While they are great for directions, consistently checking this device is similar to texting and driving. Your eyes are off the road in enough time to travel long distances without knowing so.
Drinking and eating. First, you are either holding a beverage or food in one hand, while using the other to steer the wheel. Then at the same time, you are consuming the beverage or food, which can not only limit your ability to react to surprises on the road, but also cause a mess in your car.
At Holladay Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to helping injured victims of distracted driving accidents recover the compensation they deserve. Our Spring, TX car accident attorney understands that distracted driving is automatically considered negligence in the eyes of the law.
If you were injured by a distracted driver in Texas, contact our Spring, TX personal injury attorney at Holladay Law Firm, PLLC today.