If you are a licensed driver, then you are already aware of what would
typically divert a driver’s attention from the road. You may have
observed other drivers at stop lights texting away on their cell phones.
While it may seem harmless, since the driver is technically “stopped,”
it doesn’t mean that the brain is entirely off the conversation
in the text. This is what can lead to serious
car accidents.
What Qualifies as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving means to drive while engaging in any other activity
that takes your attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted
driving includes cognitive distraction (taking your mind off driving),
visual distraction (taking your eyes off the road), and manual distraction
(taking your hands off the wheel).
Here are some common examples of distracted driving:
- Eating while driving
- Reading a book, map, or directions
- Grooming
- Applying makeup
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cellphone
- Changing stations on the radio
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013,
more than 3, 000 people lost their lives to driver distraction, and another
424,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes that same year.
In 2013, one in five injury crashes involved a distracted driver, the
CDC reports.
Another CDC report found that eight people in the United States are killed
because of a distracted driver, and roughly 1,161 crashes involving a
distracted driver are reported daily.
How Dangerous Is It?
Think about this the next time you are driving on the streets of Austin:
there’s a good chance that you might spot another driver talking
on their cell phone and worse, texting while driving.
Driver distraction is not limited to just using one’s cell phone.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that thousands of serious and even
fatal accidents have occurred due to texting and driving. This makes it
the most distressing form of distracted driving that is occurring.
When you get behind the wheel, don’t forget to buckle up and never
text while driving if at all possible.
Were you, or someone you love injured at the hands of a distracted driver?
If so, we urge you to
contact Komie & Morrow, LLP to meet with one of our qualified Austin car accident attorneys.