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One of the main causes of car accidents nowadays is distracted driving. Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes your eyes off the road. While cell phone use is the most common form of distracted driving, other activities, such as eating, reading, changing the radio station, adjusting mirrors and talking to passengers can also divert your attention from what is happening on the roadway.
Why is distracted driving so prevalent nowadays? People are busier now than they ever were. Cell phones keep us connected to family members and employers 24/7. A person can now receive texts, emails and phone calls any time of the day. Plus, there just never seems to be enough hours in the day. People feel rushed, and they often spend a lot of time in their car commuting to work, so they take that time to eat, read, apply makeup and do anything else that needs to be done.
Distracted driving, however, is dangerous. In 2016, 3,450 people were killed in accidents caused by distracted driving. In 2017, 391,000 people were injured in such crashes. Distracted driving, on average, injures 1,000 people and kills nine people every day. Read on to learn more about the various types of distracted driving.
Types of Distractions
While driving, there are three main types of actions that can distract you.
- You take your mind off driving. You may be thinking about a fight you had with your significant other, your schedule for the day or what you need to pick up at the grocery store.
- You take your eyes off the road to tend to crying children, look at your phone or gawk at the accident on the side of the road.
- You take your hands off the steering wheel to change the radio station, call your spouse or pet your dog.
Some distractions may incorporate multiple categories. For example, texting involves all three. The average text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds, which is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
While anyone can be a distracted driver, young adults and parents with young children were most likely to be distracted. Drivers under the age of 20 had the highest rate of fatalities caused by distracted driving. Those between the ages of 18 and 34 feel pressured to respond to work messages while driving.
Pets are also a major distraction. Eighty percent of drivers have pets in the car, and 31% have been distracted by them.
Contact an Illinois Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Driving requires undivided attention and unfortunately, many drivers are distracted, causing serious and even fatal accidents. If you or a loved one was injured or killed by a distracted driver, it’s important to obtain compensation for your losses.
There is never a good excuse for distracted driving. The skilled Chicago distracted driving attorneys at the office of Harvey L. Walner & Associates, LTD will ensure that justice is served and that you seek financial recovery so you can heal. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online request form or call (312) 313-2888.
