Our increased reliance on handheld electronic devices in recent years has resulted in more ways for drivers to be distracted than ever before. These distractions present a growing danger to other drivers and passengers on the road. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, distracted driving has become the leading factor in most car accidents throughout the country.
Anything that takes your focus away from the road and the operation of your vehicle can be considered a driver distraction. This can include visual distractions which take your eyes off the road, cognitive distractions which take your mind off the road, and manual distractions which take your hands off the steering wheel.
While there are certainly many ways a driver can be distracted, some lead to car accidents more often than others. The 5 most common driver distractions include:
- Cell phone use – Cell phone use while driving diverts your attention from the road in multiple ways, including removing your hand from the wheel and taking your eyes off the road. Several studies have found that texting impairs your driving ability as much as driving while intoxicated.
- Eating/drinking – Eating and drinking impact your concentration in many ways, taking your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and splitting your mental focus between eating and driving. In addition, there is always the risk of spilling hot coffee or dripping greasy food on your clothes, further increasing the likelihood of a car accident.
- GPS devices – GPS devices may be useful tools to help navigate roads in unfamiliar areas, but they also take your mind and eyes off the road almost as much as texting.
- Grooming – If you are looking in the mirror to fix your hair, put on makeup, or shave, you are not watching the road.
- Attending to other passengers – Whether you are turning around to tend to unruly children in the back seat or looking at the passenger next to you, these distractions significantly increase your chances of a car accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Marc Albert has more than 15 years of experience handling car accident cases in the New York City metropolitan area, and he spent nearly a decade running the personal injury and medical malpractice divisions of Seeger Weiss, a prominent New York City law firm.
Mr. Albert brings this big firm experience to your case, while also providing the close personal attention found in a small firm. This combination will give you the edge you need when seeking to maximize the value of your compensation.
Please contact the Law Offices of Marc S. Albert today to schedule your free car accident consultation. Mr. Albert serves clients throughout the New York City metropolitan area from his offices in Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island.