What Are The Common Causes Of Distracted Driving Accidents?

Distracted driving accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can have a wide range of causes. While we frequently associate distracted driving collisions with smartphone use, other behaviors behind the wheel can also pose serious risks to other passengers and to other motorists on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) points out that a total of 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2020, and thousands more were injured. What are some of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies some of the key reasons for distracted driving collisions, and we want to discuss those with you today.

Texting, Reading Email, or Browsing the Internet on a Smartphone 

Smartphone use is among the leading causes of distracted driving accidents. Indeed, the NHTSA notes that distracted driving collision rates have increased as more motorists have begun using smartphones. Even as hands free driving rules have taken effect, drivers have continued to use smartphones unlawfully while behind the wheel. The CDC emphasizes that distractions can be visual, manual, or cognitive, and using a smartphone to read email or text, or to browse the internet, results in all three types of distractions.

Talking on a Phone or to a Passenger 

Talking on a phone—even if it is hands free—or to another passenger in the vehicle can result in a distracted driving accident. It can be easy to take your mind off the task of driving while you are involved in a conversation, and that distraction can have serious consequences.

Grooming Behind the Wheel 

Grooming behind the wheel, such as putting on makeup or fixing one’s hair, requires taking your hands off the wheel while you are driving, your eyes off the road, and your mind off the road, as well. As such, grooming can be significantly distracting, even if you only try to do it at a red light.

Eating While Driving 

When you are on your way to work or in a rush, it might seem to make more sense to eat while you drive. However, eating while driving commonly leads to distracted driving collisions. You need to take at least one hand off the wheel to eat, and you cannot focus your full attention on the road.

Using a GPS 

GPS devices, including those built into your car, can help you to know where you are going. At the same time, it is distracting to deal with the GPS while you are on the road, such as when the GPS suggests a time-saving route or recommends a different road to avoid an accident.

In any of these situations, the motorist can be liable for injuries resulting from distracted driving.

Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in New Jersey and Pennsylvania 

Distracted driving collisions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania can result in severe and deadly injuries, and it is important to hold the at-fault driver accountable. If you were injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, it is critical to seek advice from an experienced New Jersey and Pennsylvania distracted driving accident lawyer who can help. You should contact an attorney at Monaco Law PC today for more information about filing a distracted driving claim. Our firm has a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer serving Atlantic County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Salem County and all of South Jersey.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html