Distracted driving is dangerous and puts everyone on the roadways at risk. Distracted driving is risky behavior that should be avoided but when it is not, victims of distracted drivers should be familiar with the legal protections available to them.
Facts about distracted driving
Distracted driving puts drivers and everyone else on the roadway at risk. Some common facts about distracted driving that distracted drivers, and their victims, should be familiar with includes:
- Driver distraction removes the driver’s attention from driving which can result in drivers missing critical events, objects or cues, or may lose control of the vehicle, all of which can lead to car accidents.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that one out of every 10 fatal car accidents in the United States involves driver distraction which results in greater than 3,000 distracted driving-related fatalities each year.
- In 2012, the NHTSA estimated that driver distraction was a factor in approximately 10% of fatal car accidents and 18% of car accidents that resulted in injuries to victims.
- Distracted driving is considered any behavior while driving that diverts the driver’s attention from driving and can increase the chances of a car accident. When the driver takes their eyes off the roadway for even 2 seconds, it can double their risk of a car accident according to one 2006 study. Examples can range from cell phone use while driving and texting while driving to grooming, reading or operating a radio while driving.
Distracted driving behaviors can be considered negligence and may result in liability for the distracted driver. A personal injury claim for damages may be able to help injured victims seeking compensation for their damages from the distracted driver responsible for harming them.
