Distracted Driving Awareness Month: The Risks of Car Accident Injuries

 Posted on April 14, 2021 in Car Accidents

The month of April has been designated Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and during this time, public safety campaigns are working to make sure people understand how this issue affects everyone who uses the roads. Distracted driving is one of the most common forms of driver negligence, and it can lead to dangerous car accidents that result in serious injuries or wrongful death. In fact, across the United States, 3,142 people were killed by distracted driving in 2019. Non-fatal accidents are very common as well, with about 700 people being injured every day in accidents involving distracted drivers. People who are injured by distracted drivers will want to work with an attorney to determine how they can receive financial compensation for the injuries they suffered because of the driver’s negligence.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Most Americans spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel, and it can be easy for a person’s attention to wander, especially if they are driving on familiar roads as part of their daily routine. Unfortunately, a split-second distraction can be enough to cause a person to miss important details, and being unable to react in time to other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, obstacles, or other factors can lead to dangerous collisions.

Distractions can affect drivers in the following ways:

• Visually - A driver may take their eyes off the road and look at something else inside or outside their vehicle. Checking a cell phone, looking at children in the back seat, reading a magazine or newspaper, or looking at people or animals on the side of the road can all be dangerous visual distractions.

• Manually - A driver may take one or both hands off the steering wheel to reach for objects in the car or perform other tasks, such as sending text messages, adjusting the radio, or eating and drinking. This can affect a person’s ability to control their car if they need to react quickly.

• Cognitively - A driver’s attention may wander, causing them to be unaware of what is happening on the road around them. Even if a person’s attention is partially divided, such as by talking with passengers or making a phone call using a hands-free device, this will significantly reduce their ability to see the road, notice the movements of other vehicles or pedestrians, and respond in time to avoid a collision.

Contact Our Peoria Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Drivers need to make sure they are putting their full attention toward the act of driving at all times. Even what may seem like a minor distraction that affects a person for a moment can have deadly consequences. If you have been injured in a car accident, and you suspect that it was caused by a distracted driver, the lawyers of Kanoski Bresney can help you gather the necessary evidence to show that the driver acted negligently, including cell phone records, security camera footage, and testimony from witnesses. We will fight to help you receive compensation that will allow you to recover from your injuries and address your financial damages. To set up a free consultation with us, contact our Bloomington car accident attorneys today at 888-826-8682.

Sources:

https://www.nsc.org/pages/ddam/ddam-materials

https://www.nhtsa.gov/distracted-driving/april-distracted-driving-awareness-month