What Are The Consequences Of Distracted Driving?
Driving while you’re distracted can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. Roughly 80% of car crashes are caused by someone looking away from the road, and this number seems on the rise in recent years. If you’ve suffered damages in an accident with a distracted driver, the law allows you to hold them accountable for their actions and receive compensation for any damages.
What Exactly Is Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is when you do something that takes away your attention from the road in front of you. From texting your friend to looking at Google Maps, every second you’re distracted while driving increases your chances of causing an accident. The only way to drive safely is to eliminate all distractions before you get behind the wheel.
Main Consequences Of Distracted Driving
From running a red light to rear-ending the car in front of them, distracted drivers lose the ability to make fast decisions that could have prevented incidents like these from happening. These negligent actions cause the deaths of thousands of people nationwide each year.
But besides causing accidents, distracted driving is illegal in New York. The state has strict laws prohibiting drivers from using their cell phones for calling or texting while driving. Anyone caught doing this will receive a fine of up to hundreds of dollars or have their license revoked. A distracted driver who causes an accident is also fully liable for the victim’s injuries.
How To Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving can be deadly, so here are some practical tips to stay safe and prevent these accidents from occurring:
Focus On The Road
Remember that accidents take mere seconds to happen. Always keep your eyes in front of you and drive defensively. If you need to do something, parking on the side of the road can be a much safer option.
Put The Phone Down
Hands down, using a phone while behind the wheel is one of the main reasons distracted driving accidents happen in the first place. Consider putting your phone on silent mode or shutting it off before driving anywhere.
Plan Your Route Ahead Of Time
It’s natural to want to check your phone to see where you’re going. However, checking your phone in the middle can cause you to lose focus while driving. Try to plan your route before you go anywhere. If you’re unfamiliar with the area and still need a navigation system, set up voice commands before driving to reduce the need to look at the map.
Our Attorneys Will Help You Seek Justice
One negligent action from a distracted driver can cause an accident. Many of the victims could have lifelong damage, trauma, and suffering they may never be able to recover from. However, if you were involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you can hold them liable for their actions. Our motor vehicle accident lawyers have decades of experience helping victims get the compensation they deserve. Please contact us online or call us at (866) 574-0825 to schedule a free case review today.