What Are the 5 Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents?
Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, distracted driving has become an American epidemic. According to Distraction.gov, distracted driving caused 431,000 injuries and 3,100 fatalities in 2014. What these statistics do not convey, though, is the tremendous emotional and financial hardship suffered by accident victims and their families.
The costs of medical bills and lost income can be exorbitant after a serious wreck. Some victims can no longer partake in the activities they enjoyed before their collisions.
Although no amount of money can undo the trauma of a serious crash, you may be able to restore financial stability by making a personal injury claim. If the collision happened in Nebraska, contact Rensch & Rensch Law.
A personal injury attorney from our firm will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, healthcare expenses, and non-economic damages. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Omaha.
Read on to learn about the top five causes of distracted driving accidents:
- Using a Smartphone
In the state of Nebraska, it is illegal to text while driving. The reason? Texting impairs your visual, physical, and cognitive abilities simultaneously, which makes it one of the deadliest distractions. According to the American Automobile Association, if a text takes your eyes off the road for just two seconds, your risk of crashing doubles.
- Talking to Passengers
Many drivers underestimate just how distracting passengers can be. According to TeenDriverSource.org, a teen driver who carries two or more passengers is three times more likely to crash.
- Eating and Drinking
Many people make a habit out of eating breakfast on-the-go; however, eating and drinking can take your eyes off the road long enough to cause a serious collision. Eating also takes at least one hand off the wheel, which makes you less prepared to react to unexpected hazards. It is particularly dangerous to drink hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, while driving because spilling the drink could cause you to lose focus and control of the vehicle.’
- Grooming
Grooming behind the wheel is another common habit among drivers with busy schedules. You might get away with brushing your hair or putting on makeup most of the time, but all it takes is a moment’s inattention to cause a deadly accident.
- Reading
Thanks to Global Positioning Devices, fewer drivers are distracted by maps and handwritten directions; however, some motorists still choose to read behind the wheel. Whether you are reading a map to help you navigate or a novel to pass the time in congested traffic, taking your eyes off the road can be deadly.
Even if you never partake in these distracting behaviors, you cannot trust other motorists to do the same. If you were injured by a distracted, drunk, or negligent driver, turn to Rensch & Rensch Law for comprehensive legal guidance. Call 1-800-471-4100 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney in Omaha.
