Unfortunately, millions of people in the U.S. are severely injured in traffic collisions every year. In fact, tens of thousands of people lose their lives this way.
The causes of car crashes are numerous. Some are completely unavoidable, while many are the result of negligence. One notable type of negligence is distracted driving. Here are some of the most common distractions that can lead to serious collisions.
Electronic devices
The most notable form of driving distraction is using electronic devices- cellphones in particular. Every second spent reading or sending a text or talking on the phone is a second spent not paying attention to potential driving hazards.
Studies indicate that the distance covered in just five seconds of browsing a mobile device amounts to the length of an entire football field. That’s more than enough time and distance for a serious collision to occur.
Eating and drinking
Generally, when we eat and drink, we don’t put much thought into it. The problem is that we typically do these activities while sitting or standing still. When someone is moving, they require more focus, and that is focus that needs to be on the roads. Eating and drinking while driving is very dangerous, and it can certainly cause severe collisions.
Other passengers
Passengers can be welcome company on a journey. Nonetheless, they can also become a distraction. For example, children misbehaving can take the driver’s attention away from the road. A loose dog that has come along for the trip can get in the way of the driver at a crucial moment. It’s important that all passengers recognize the potential dangers of driving and that pets should really be secured.
These are just some of the most common driving distractions. If you have been injured in a collision by a distracted driver, then getting legal guidance will help you get seek compensation for your expenses and other damages.