Distracted driving can lead to car accidents, which can result in severe injuries and even fatalities. A distracted driver simply is not in control of their vehicle, making it more likely that they will commit a significant error or overlook a clear danger. Many distracted drivers run red lights, for example, or rear-end other vehicles during traffic slowdowns on the interstate.
Using the phone in the car is certainly one of the top reasons for driver distraction. But even among drivers who understand the risk, there may be a significant misconception. These drivers believe that they are only distracted as long as the phone is in their hand.
For instance, someone waiting at a red light may think that it is safe to look at the notifications on their phone. When the light turns green, they will just put the phone down, thereby avoiding distraction. But why doesn’t this work?
Mental and cognitive distractions
Putting the phone down does end the visual distraction of looking at the screen, along with the manual or physical distraction of holding the phone. But it does not change the mental and cognitive distractions the driver faces.
Someone who is reading an urgent text message from their boss, for example, is still thinking about that text message even after they set the phone down. Research suggests that this type of mental distraction can last for another 27 seconds, during which time a driver could certainly cause a serious crash. They may think they were not distracted because they were not holding the phone at the time, but it is still that cellphone distraction that ultimately led to the accident.
Do you deserve financial compensation?
Have you suffered serious injuries in an accident that another driver caused, perhaps because they were distracted? If so, it is crucial that you know how to seek appropriate financial compensation.