Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, distracted driving has become an epidemic. In fact, according to the NHTSA, in 2019, there were 3,142 lives lost due to distracted driving. The CDC states that more than 400,000 are injured in accidents caused by distracted driving, annually.
According to the CDC, there are three types of distractions: cognitive, manual and visual. Some hazards, such as texting and sending emails, fit into all three categories, which means they are particularly dangerous.
If you were injured by a distracted motorist in Arizona, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A car accident attorney in Scottsdale can gather evidence, structure your claim, handle settlement negotiations and litigate your case if it goes to trial.
You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, health-care bills and other damages. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on for a brief overview of the three categories of driver distractions:
- Cognitive Distractions
Being lost in thought while driving can be deadly. Daydreaming falls into this category, along with worrying about personal problems or financial woes. It is important to be mentally alert behind the wheel, or you may not notice hazards until it is too late.
- Manual Distractions
Taking your hands off the wheel for even a second can cause a fatal accident. Using a cell phone, eating and drinking, smoking a cigarette, and fiddling with the radio or air conditioner are examples of manual distractions. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, and if you need to remove them, pull over to a safe place.
- Visual Distractions
If you tend to gawk at accident scenes and billboards, then you are prone to visual distractions. If you take your eyes off the road, you may not notice an unexpected hazard in time to respond. Try to resist the urge to observe distractions outside the vehicle.
Distracted Driving Doubles Your Risk of Crashing
According to the American Automobile Association, you are twice as likely to crash if you look away for more than two seconds. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting in a distracted-driving accident
- If you are a new driver, do not carry passengers;
- Turn off your cell phone before you start the engine;
- Do not eat, drink or smoke behind the wheel;
- And adjust your audio and climate settings before you hit the road.
You should also look for signs of distracted driving from other motorists. If a driver is looking down or talking on a cell phone, keep your distance.
If the worst happens and you sustain an injury in a crash with a negligent driver, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. Our lawyers have more than 30 years of combined experience protecting the rights of the injured. We will give your case the individual attention that it deserves. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.