The personal injury lawyers at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman understand the devastation that can follow when you take your eyes off the road for even a moment. Here are some ways to protect yourself and others.
Common driving distractions and how to avoid them
Nearly one in 10 fatal accidents involve distracted driving. Interruptions to your attention can come in many forms; some take your eyes off the road while others distract you mentally or physically.
Some of the common distractions to avoid include:
- Cell phone use – Approximately 14% of fatal distracted driving crashes involve cell phone use. Nearly 30% of drivers admit that they text while driving despite the widely-known risks.
- Pets – Nearly 80% of people admit to often driving with their pets and almost a third admit to being distracted by their dogs.
- Emotions – A 2016 study from Virginia Tech found that drivers are nearly 10 times more likely to be involved in a crash if they are in a state of high emotion.
- Occupants – Passengers of any age are a distraction for drivers. In recognition of this, some states place limits on the number of passengers allowed in vehicles. For example, teens may not be allowed to drive with more than one non-family passenger in the vehicle.
- Drowsiness – According to the Insurance Information Institute, drowsy driving causes, on average, more than 79,000 accidents per year. Approximately one in four drivers admit to having had trouble staying awake behind the wheel, and about 17% of fatal crashes involve drowsy driving.
- Objects – Not surprisingly, drivers are more likely to crash when they take their eyes off the road while reaching for objects. From a cell phone to a GPS to food, reaching for an object can keep you from responding to the conditions of traffic.
This is not an exhaustive list. Anything that takes your attention away from driving may be a dangerous distraction. Before you get behind the wheel, take an opportunity to eliminate the things that may interrupt your concentration.
What to do if you are involved in a distracted driving accident
Distracted driving can lead to loss of life, physical injury, and financial interruption. You owe it to yourself and to others to eliminate distractions from your vehicle.
If you are involved in an accident and believe someone else’s distractions may have caused it, speak with the car accident lawyers at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman. Our skilled and compassionate team of attorneys understands the effect that this kind of event can have on you and your family.
Our offices are conveniently located in Rockland County and Bergen County. Schedule a free consultation today to receive an experienced and honest assessment of your legal rights.