One of the biggest dangers you face when driving is that many other drivers are not paying attention. Close to 3,000 people die each year in crashes involving distracted driving, and around 400,000 are injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Why is distracted driving so common?
- Competition for our attention: Whether it is your baby crying, your phone beeping or billboards tempting you to spend money, everyone wants your attention. It can be hard to ignore them all and keep your focus on the road.
- Time pressure: A lot of people lead busy lives. They may see travel time as dead time and use it to complete other tasks such as finishing breakfast, putting on makeup, or catching up on social media.
- Expectations of instant responses: People expect an instant reply to their messages or emails. It has become so normal that many people answer messages and emails while driving.
- Technological advances: You could argue that hands-free systems and satellite navigation are safer than picking up your phone to talk or pulling out a road atlas while driving. However, this has led many people to think that it is fine to use them while at the wheel. They are not safe. They are merely less dangerous. They still take your attention away from the road.
- People think it is ok for them to do it: While most people understand that distracted driving is dangerous, they think their actions are acceptable. They believe that quickly checking their phone or turning around to calm their child is somehow ok.
If another driver caused a car crash, there is a good chance they were distracted in some way. An experienced attorney can help you claim compensation for injuries you suffered.