Distracted Driving

Types and Causes of Distracted Driving Wrecks

There are many types and causes of distracted driving wrecks. These types of accidents occur for a variety of reasons. There are two general ways of classification. The first is what experts refer to as “driver error,” which is the cause of the vast majority of accidents. Driver mistake, of course, can mean a variety of things, so it’s often broken down into categories.

Do you know what the most common form of driver error is? It’s a diversion or Distracted Driving. To put it another way, incidents that occur as a result of drivers attempting to multitask.

Now, we’ve all done it while driving at one point or another. However, we must begin to understand the risks of this action. Annually, hundreds of people are injured in car accidents caused by distracted drivers, and the number is growing. A distracted driving-related accident is estimated to occur every 1.25 minutes in our state alone.

It must come to an end, and we must all work together to put an end to the outbreak. But, in order to do so, we must first comprehend how we are being distracted.

What is the source of these distractions? It can vary from eating to drinking to attempting to read a message on your phone. All these things can be a cause of distraction that can cause accidents.

The Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Read below to learn some of the most common causes of distracted driving:

Talking and Texting

Distracted driving crashes are most often caused by people talking on their mobile or texting while driving. According to the National Safety Council, mobile phones are involved in 26% of all car accidents.

We’ve become reliant on GPS to get us from point A to point B. For certain people, using it is no longer a choice; it is simply what they do. Using a GPS route when driving, however, is just as risky as texting. Even looking down at the directions when your attention is distracted from the road will result in disaster. If you’re going to use GPS, ensure that it is installed somewhere clear… Then switch up the volume anyway so you can hear the instructions rather than having to look at the screen all the time.

Adjusting Music or Controls

Perhaps you’re dying and need to lower the temperature. Alternatively, your child could be shouting from the back seat for you to turn on his music. Or the radio is just too noisy. Pushing a button or two can seem insignificant, but it disrupts your attention, particularly if you have to look away to do so. Small or not, it can mean the difference between an accident and a pleasant journey.

Applying Makeup

There are tomes. You just don’t have time to put your best foot forward before you have to get in the car. Sadly, many people tend to feel that driving offers a chance to apply the final touches to their appearance, like makeup, combing their hair, or even applying deodorant. These practices, which take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road, are prone to causing accidents.

Talking to Passengers

When you’re in the car with someone, it’s deemed normal to speak to them. If you don’t, you’ll probably feel a little rude. However, you must always keep in mind that paying attention to driving comes first. Although it can seem normal to turn to a passenger during a chat, it is among the worst things you can do while driving.

Not Looking at the Road

Many other factors contribute to this behavior, but it’s worth considering it on its own because there are a variety of reasons why some might take their eyes off the road. Maybe you’re lost and need to find a landmark or an address. Or maybe there’s an accident on the side of the road, and you’re curious about what’s going on. After a thunderstorm, maybe a beautiful rainbow emerges, and you marvel at it. None of these actions seem to be particularly hazardous, but they all increase the likelihood of an accident.

Handling Children or Pets

Driving with your pet loose in the car is not safe – for you or them – but that doesn’t deter many people. Pets, unfortunately, become obstacles as they move around in your car or sit on your lap. Having children in a car, as all parents know, can be just as dangerous. To get your attention, they scream. They whine about their lack of resources. They get into an argument. It’s all too easy to lose focus when driving.

Zoning Out

Have you ever heard people zoning out while traveling a familiar route or on a long commute? It’s a fairly normal occurrence. You may have been a little taken aback when you arrived at your destination, with no memory of the steps you took to get there. Was the route crowded? Have you run into any red lights? You weren’t paying attention at all. It’s all too normal to drive on “autopilot,” and it’s risky.

When Someone’s Distracted Driving Causes you Injury?

What to do when someone’s distracted driving causes you injury? When you’re hurt in an accident, the most critical aspect of doing is to call the authorities, get medical help (keep track of your expenses), and get contact details from witnesses if possible.

Then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Do it as soon as possible because speaking with your preferred accident lawyer before starting the insurance payout process is important. You will ensure that you receive the just and equitable reward you deserve by working together.