Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous habits one can engage in while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Although many of us generally only think the use of a cellphone is a form of distracted driving, there are many other forms, which are all just as dangerous and lead to countless collisions on roadways across the United States every year. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by a driver who was distracted at the time, you need to obtain experienced legal counsel as soon as possible to obtain the compensation you deserve.
These are some of the most frequent causes of accidents involving a distracted driver:
- Texting or using a phone: Using a cell phone while driving is, of course, one of the most dangerous driving habits one can engage in. In fact, this dangerous habit accounts for 26% of all accidents on the road, according to the National Safety Council. If something really needs your attention, pull over someplace before you resume your trip. No phone call or text is worth anyone’s life.
- Navigational device: Many of us heavily rely on the use of a GPS to get from point A to point B, but if you are tinkering around with this device while you are on the road, this could easily lead to a dangerous accident. No one is saying that you should not use a GPS, but instead of setting up your route while on the road, take the time to do so before you start your trip. You should also keep your GPS mounted where it is visible while driving, so you do not have to take your eyes off the road.
- Adjusting your music: We all have music and temperature preferences, but these are all things that should be set up before any driving begins. Skipping through songs or adjusting the temperature can distract you from keeping your eyes on the road. If music is important to you, put a playlist together for your trip to avoid having to take your focus off the road to look for the perfect song.
- Grooming or applying makeup: If you left your home in a hurry, you probably did not complete all the finishing touches to your appearance. However, grooming or applying makeup while operating a motor vehicle requires you to not only take your eyes off the road, but your hands off the wheel, which can easily lead to a dangerous or even fatal accident.
- Daydreaming: Zoning out is especially common while on a long or familiar commute. You might not even realize or remember passing a red light or speeding well above the posted limit. No matter how familiar you are with the road, it is always important to stay sharp and alert.
- Glancing away from the road: There might be a lot to see while on the road, but looking away or allowing your attention to drift toward something other than driving is never something you should allow your mind to do.
Reach out to a Union County Personal Injury Attorney!
After being injured in a motor vehicle accident, you might face costly medical expenses and lost wages due to your inability to work during your period of recovery. This can be stressful and incredibly overwhelming, but it should not be your burden to bear. At Bridges, Jillisky, Weller & Gullifer, LLC in Union County, our car accident attorneys have the knowledge and insight to effectively represent you and fight on your behalf for compensation.
Contact our law firm today at (937) 403-9033 to request a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys.