According to the U.S Department of Transportation, nine people are killed and over 1,000 crashes occur each day due to distracted driving. Whenever someone loses their life due to something that could have been prevented, this is an issue worth talking about.
Distracted driving is when the driver is involved in any type of activity that can take his or her mind off of driving and cause them to lose focus. Such distractions can include:
- texting
- talking on the phone
- fidgeting with the radio
- engaging in a distracting conversation with a passenger
- putting on makeup
- eating
- drinking
- surfing the web
- watching videos
- taking selfies while driving
- reading
In a recent study, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that amongst teenage drivers, the top cause for distracted driving was other passengers.
Americans lead busy lives and often attempt to multitask while driving. When you’re driving, that’s all you should be doing. Behind the wheel isn’t the place to catch up with friends, pay bills online, or put on your makeup. By focusing completely on the road, many more accidents can be avoided.
The consequences of distracted driving can be devastating in many ways. Not only could it lead to an accident that can cause serious injury, but also your car insurance rates can skyrocket. If you’ve been in an accident due to someone else’s distracted driving, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury and car accidents.
Help do your part to keep distracted driving accidents to a minimum by focusing completely on the road and saving other business for when you arrive at your destination.