Driving is an activity that requires a lot of focus. There are always hazards on the roadways at any time of day. Road users cannot afford to be distracted.
Nonetheless, distractions do occur and they can result in serious accidents. In fact, distracted driving is thought to play a role in up to 15% of accidents that result in injuries.
Outlined below are some of the most dangerous driving distractions:
Cell phone use
The most dangerous form of driving distraction is cell phone use. When a driver is on the phone or sending or receiving a text, they are paying little attention to the road. Glancing at a text or sending one can only take a few seconds, which doesn’t sound like long. Nonetheless, a few seconds when travelling in a vehicle is a lifetime and it is more than enough time for an accident to occur.
Even hands-free devices don’t eliminate the risk of crashes occurring. The problem is that the mind is elsewhere when on a phone call, and despite common misconceptions, humans are not that good at multitasking. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), cell phone use is a factor in up to 27% of all road traffic collisions.
“Lost in thought”
The next form of distracted driving may come as a surprise, as it involves no physical distraction. Nonetheless, cognitive distractions or “being lost in thought” are considered to be just as dangerous as physical distractions. Some studies suggest that being lost in thought plays a role in over 50% of all fatal crashes.
People can be lost in thought for several reasons. They may be stressed out about work or they may have had a fight with their partner before setting off in the vehicle. It is vital that drivers are in a good frame of mind before travelling.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The more legal information you have, the stronger your case will be.
