Driving requires a great deal of focus and situational awareness of your surroundings. And while most drivers take this exercise seriously, a significant number do not. This makes distracted driving one of the leading causes of car accident-related injuries and deaths in Texas. But what is distracted driving and how does it happen?
Basically, distraction happens when the driver’s attention is taken off the road. Distraction can be manual when the driver takes his hands off the steering wheel, visual when the driver takes their eyes off the road or cognitive when the driver’s thoughts and focus are taken away from the driving task. It is important to understand that any of these types of distractions can be dangerous.
Here are two common distractions that can lead to a serious car accident.
Cellphones
Texting, making or receiving a call, taking a selfie or checking GPS for directions — there is no limit to what you can do with your smartphone. Unfortunately, smartphones also come with unintended consequences, especially if you use one while driving. In fact, the CDC reports that phone distraction leads to nine road fatalities and over 1,000 injuries every day. Perhaps, this explains why the use of cell phones while driving is considered a serious traffic offense in most states.
Eating, drinking or grooming while driving
Life is hectic, make no mistake. As such, it is not uncommon to try to squeeze time to grab a bite or two, apply makeup or check your eyebrow while commuting or driving to work or to the next errand on your daily to-do list. However, grooming, eating or drinking while driving is something you want to avoid at all times. This is because these activities involve switching hands or taking your eyes off the road.
Driver distraction is a major problem on Texas roads. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing damages following a car accident that is attributable to distracted driving.