It’s Not Just Texting That Distracts Drivers

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of death and injury in a motor vehicle. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 3,477 deaths and 391,000 injuries caused by distracted driving in 2015. In the age of the smartphone, most think of texting as the only distraction. Personal injury attorneys at Spring & Lyle have seen many other activities distract drivers.

What should you consider distracted driving?

According to the CDC, a distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving. It could be a direct or indirect distraction. These activities can cause major accidents and even death. They break it down into three types of distractions:

Types of Distracted Driving

• Manual – activity that takes your hands from the steering wheel
• Visual – anything that causes you to stop watching the road
• Cognitive – having something on your mind that keeps you from focusing on driving

How to prevent injury from distracted driving?

Texting falls under manual and visual distracted driving, but so does putting on makeup. Looking in the mirror for a second to touch up your lipstick is a second too long. Even if you’re not doing an activity, not watching the road is dangerous. Looking away to check on a child or admire new construction can cause a crash.

You should also have a clear mind while driving. Activities like using substances while driving affects more than your mind. It also takes your hands and eyes from the road. Even thinking about a fight with your spouse or pending work at the office can take your mind from safe driving. Avoid driving distracted to prevent injuries to yourself and others. Pay attention at all times. Stay alert and monitor other drivers’ activities as well as your own.

The best thing you can do is practice road safety. Watch out for the other drivers and focus on what you can control. Set good examples for those around you by being a focused driver. If you’re the victim of an accident with a distracted driver, get help right away. Attorneys at Springer & Lyle have years of experience with distracted driving cases.

Do you have a distracted driving personal injury case?

The personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you evaluate your case and let you know what types of damages you may be able to recover including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other physical damage. Contact us at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.