The Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States, and with the rise of cell phones and other mobile devices, it has become an even worse issue in recent years. In some circumstances, distracted driving can be even more dangerous than driving while intoxicated or while under the influence of drugs.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it is your right to file a personal injury claim against the liable party, seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Here is some information from an auto accident attorney in Sunset, FL about some of the most common causes of distracted driving in Florida and beyond:

• Cell phone use: This is the big one, for sure, and it’s becoming a more and more widespread problem despite the frequent warnings and public service announcements to avoid talking or texting while driving. According to research by the National Safety Council, about 26 percent of all auto accidents involve cell phone use. You should wait to reply to texts or emails until you reach or destination, or pull over at the next safe location to do so if it absolutely cannot wait. Otherwise, you’re taking your eyes and attention off the road for an unsafe amount of time.
• Adjusting music or other settings: There’s nothing particularly unsafe about listening to music while you’re driving, but if you start fiddling with the volume or controls while you’re driving, this can become dangerous, as it requires you to take your eyes off the road. Most cars these days have volume and track controls on the back side of the steering wheel, meaning you won’t have to use the dashboard controls. If you need to make any more significant adjustments than volume and tuning, though, either have your passenger do it or pull over when safe to do so.
• Using a GPS: If you do need to use a GPS to help direct you to your destination, make sure you set up your route before you actually start driving, and that you mount it in a location that allows you to see it while also continuing to look at the road ahead of you. The other option is to make sure you have the volume on the device turned up so you can hear the directions provided to you by the virtual assistant.
• Talking to passengers: You don’t need to stay silent if you’re driving in your car, but there is such a thing as getting sucked too deeply into conversation while you’re driving. Never turn to look at passengers or look at photos or videos they’re looking at on their phones. Keep your attention on the road.
• Zoning out: Some drivers simply zone out while behind the wheel, which qualifies as distracted driving and can be quite dangerous when it causes you to lose your focus.

For more information about the common causes of distracted driving, contact an experienced auto accident attorney in Sunset, FL at the office of Ruben J. Padron, PA today.

Categorised in: Car Accidents