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Are You a Distracted Driver? What You Need to Know

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Car accidents can happen in a split second, or the time it takes us to answer a call, send a text, or change a CD. Many people know the dangers of driving under the influence, but the fact is that distracted driving is much more common than many of us realize.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured every day in car crashes reported to involve a distracted driver. However, the number of unreported distracted driving accidents is probably much higher than this.

The Three Types of Distracted Driving

The CDC identifies three types of driving distractions:

 
  • Visual: taking your eyes off the road

  • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel

  • Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving

 

Something like texting and driving falls under all three of these categories; your eyes are off the road, your hands are off the wheel, and your mind is busy thinking about what you are typing on your phone.

Common Driving Distractions

Many drivers remain unaware of what exactly is distracting them. Common driving distractions you may not even think of include:

 
  • Using a cell phone for any function (*the National Safety Council reports that about 26% of car accidents involve cell phones)

  • Talking to passengers

  • Using a GPS navigating system

  • Adjusting music or controls

  • Changing CDs

  • Applying makeup/grooming

  • Handling children or pets

  • Zoning out or daydreaming


Staying Safe on the Road

Many states have implemented laws to help reduce distracted driving. In 2017, Texas officially banned texting and driving in September 2017. However, it’s difficult to completely eliminate the entire problem.

 

Drivers, remember that distractions behind the wheel not only puts you at risk but endangers others on the road. We hope that this blog helps keep everyone aware of the dangers of distracted driving and makes you think twice about what you do behind the wheel.

 

If you’re injured in Texas because of a distracted driver, we can help you pursue compensation. Contact The Law Offices of Vic Feazell at (254) 938-6885 to schedule your free consultation.

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