Table of Contents
Three Big Types Of Accident-Causing Driving Distractions And How To Avoid Them
Driving distractions have become increasingly prevalent. With the rise of smartphones and other digital devices, drivers are more likely to engage in behaviors that take their attention away from the road. It is no surprise, then, that distracted driving is one of the major causes of automobile accidents today. Let Arash Law assist you in pursuing compensation when injured in a California car accident.
Distracted Driving Crashes Kill Nine People Daily In The United States
Roughly nine people are killed in car accidents in the United States every day that are reported to involve a distracted driver. While we tend to first think of texting while driving, many other types of distractions can cause accidents. Being aware of these risks is essential to staying safe on the road.
At Arash Law, we understand the importance of preventing accidents and keeping our roads safe for our families. That’s why we have put together this article to discuss the three main types of accident-causing driving distractions and how to avoid them. As we explore each type of distraction, we will provide examples, offer distraction prevention tips, and discuss how states and the federal government are addressing the issue. Finally, we will offer tips on what to do if you’ve suffered an injury in an accident involving a distracted driver.
What Is Distracted Driving?
While we all understand the importance of wearing a seatbelt, driving sober, and following traffic laws, many people do not remain 100 percent focused on the road at all times while driving. Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving, such as using a cell phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, managing a GPS, or any other behavior that causes a driver to lose focus on the road.
With the greatest offender, our smartphones, literally at our fingertips every minute of the day, distracted driving is becoming remarkably common. As a firm that has been operating for years, our personal injury attorneys at Arash Law can handle distracted driving incidents. Depending on the situation, you may be able to seek compensation. If a distracted driver has hurt you or a loved one, you may want to consult one of the injury law firms near you. Contact Arash Law to assess whether you may have a case.
Types Of Distraction
A multitude of different activities and behaviors while driving can lead to distraction. Many of these fall into at least one of three main categories.
- Visual — Visual distraction occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road. For example, looking at a smartphone, other people in the vehicle, or at one’s reflection in a mirror are all visual distractions.
- Manual — Manual distraction occurs when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel. Examples of manual distraction include eating or drinking, changing the radio station, or managing a navigation system.
- Cognitive — Cognitive distraction occurs when a driver takes their mind off driving. Daydreaming, conversing with other passengers, and talking on the phone are all examples of cognitive distractions.
Some types of distractions can fall into a combination of, or all, the categories listed above. For instance, sending a text message can be considered a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction, as it requires drivers to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the steering wheel while also breaking their concentration from the task of driving.
Who Is At-Risk For Distracted Driving?
Any driver can become distracted while driving, but some groups are at a higher risk than others. Those who frequently use their phones for work and those with a history of traffic violations may be more likely to drive while distracted. However, young drivers are most at risk for distracted driving, as they have less experience on the road and may be more prone to engage in risky behaviors such as texting while driving.
A 2020 CDC report revealed that:
- Around 25 percent of distracted drivers in fatal car accidents are young adults in their twenties.
- Among drivers involved in fatal crashes, teenage drivers are more likely to be distracted than drivers over 20.
- Texting or emailing while driving is common among all high school students, regardless of grades or academic performance.
- Texting or emailing while driving is more common among older teens than younger teens.
- 39 percent of high school students who drive sent at least one text or email while driving over 30 days.
- Students who text or email while driving are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as not wearing a seatbelt, driving while under the influence of alcohol, or riding with another driver who has been drinking.
While younger drivers may face a higher risk of distracted driving, factors like fatigue, stress, and heavy traffic can increase distraction for drivers of any age. These conditions can make it harder to focus on the road, as our brains become much more easily distracted when bored, under-rested, or stressed. It’s important to take the necessary steps to address these issues before getting behind the wheel to keep ourselves, our passengers, and others on the road safe.
Who Are The Victims Of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can have serious consequences for the driver, their passengers, and others on the road. According to statistics, pedestrians, cyclists, and other individuals not inside a vehicle are at significant risk of being killed or injured in accidents caused by distracted driving. In 2018, approximately 20 percent of those killed in distracted driving accidents were non-occupants. These individuals are particularly vulnerable, as they have no protection against distracted drivers who may not see them in time to avoid a collision.
Accidents resulting from distracted driving can have severe and long-lasting effects on victims and their families. Injuries in these types of accidents can range from minor, surface-level wounds to more serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain damage. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and may even be unable to return to work or carry out their normal daily activities. If you or someone you know was involved in a distracted driving accident, our car accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you explore your legal options.
Common Types Of Accidents Caused By Distracted Driving
Car wrecks resulting from distracted driving can range from minor to severe. Unfortunately, even minor accidents can cause significant physical and emotional harm to those involved. Among the common types of accidents involving a distracted driver are:
- Rear-End Collisions — Distracted drivers are more likely to miss changes in traffic patterns, such as sudden stops, and may end up rear-ending the vehicle in front of them. Rear-end accident lawyers can review how distraction contributed to the incident and identify potentially liable parties under California traffic laws.
- Intersection Accidents — When drivers are distracted, they may fail to notice red lights or stop signs, causing T-bone collisions or other types of accidents. Intersection accident attorneys can analyze camera footage, reports, and other evidence to clarify how the violation may have occurred.
- Lane Drift Accidents — Drivers not paying attention may drift out of their lane and collide with another vehicle or object, such as a guardrail. Reckless driving accident attorneys can explain how negligence or unsafe driving behavior may apply in such cases.
- Head-On Collisions — Distracted drivers may drift across the centerline into oncoming traffic, resulting in severe head-on collisions.
- Pedestrian Accidents — Distracted drivers are more likely to fail to stop for pedestrians, resulting in serious injuries or death. Pedestrian accident lawyers can help examine whether the driver failed to meet their legal duty of care toward pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield Accidents — When drivers are distracted, they may fail to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and cyclists, potentially leading to devastating collisions. Failure-to-yield accident attorneys can assess the circumstances and clarify which driver’s actions violated traffic laws.
How To Prevent Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a growing issue, especially for young drivers, resulting in thousands of accidents and fatalities yearly. However, the good news is that we can all take steps to prevent distracted driving and help keep our roads safe for everyone.
What Can Drivers Do?
- Don’t Multitask While Driving — Multitasking is one of the common causes of distracted driving accidents. If you need to adjust your mirrors, eat, make a phone call, or send an email, do so before or after your trip. If you must use a device while driving, use hands-free technology and voice commands to avoid taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.
- Use Cell Phone Blocking Technology — Certain apps can be installed on a cell phone to prevent distractions caused by phone calls, text messages, and app notifications. This technology is designed to limit or block the use of a particular device while a person is driving.
- Prioritize Mental and Physical Well-Being — Because drivers who are stressed or sleep-deprived are more likely to become distracted, addressing these issues becomes a matter of safety. Get good quality sleep, manage your stress levels, and avoid driving if you are too tired or stressed to do so safely.
What Can Passengers Do?
- Speak Up — If you are a passenger in a car with a distracted driver, ask them to focus on driving. Many drivers may not even be aware that they are distracted, so directing their attention back to the road can help prevent distracted driving accidents.
- Reduce Distractions — While riding in a vehicle, try to help your driver stay focused by minimizing conversation. It’s also a good idea to assist with navigation and music selection tasks so your driver won’t need to multitask.
- Offer to Drive — If your driver is tired, distracted, or physically or emotionally unwell, it may be safer to insist on taking over driving responsibilities. Sometimes, a short break from driving is all a driver needs to regain their focus.
What Parents Can Do
- Talk With Your Children — If you have a teenage or young adult driver in the family, help them understand the laws and responsibilities involved in driving. It can also help to share stories and statistics about distracted driving accidents.
- Set Rules and Consequences — Establish clear rules for your children, such as no texting, calling, or eating while driving. Teach your children the consequences of breaking these rules, such as losing driving privileges.
- Set a Good Example — Parents should lead by example and model safe driving habits for their children. Avoid any behavior that distracts you from driving, especially with your children.
What Is Being Done To Address Distracted Driving?
Given the risks posed by distracted driving, lawmakers have already taken steps to address the issue at both the state and federal levels. In 2009, President Obama issued an executive order to prohibit texting while driving among federal employees to set an example for the general population. Many states have enacted laws to help prevent distracted driving, including bans on texting while driving, implementation of hands-free laws, and limiting the number of young passengers who can ride with teen drivers.
Certain types of distracted driving have been made illegal in California. Specifically, it is unlawful to use a handheld cell phone or electronic device while driving, except in certain circumstances. Under California law, drivers may only use devices that are hands-free, such as voice commands and speakerphone functionality. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason. Drivers violating these laws may face fines and other penalties, such as driver’s license points. Additionally, distracted driving violations may result in higher insurance premiums.
Consult With Our Team At Arash Law
When it comes to distracted driving accidents, the legal landscape of these incidents can be complex and continues to shift each year. At Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our car accident lawyers stay current with changes in the law and can help you assess whether you can file a distracted driving accident claim. We have decades of experience building well-supported cases and advocating for the rights of our clients. Call our California accident attorneys at Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. We serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California.
