3 Most Common Causes of Driver Distraction

 Posted on September 06, 2022 in Car Accidents

Even though cell phones only became commonplace in the fairly recent future, drivers have been getting distracted as long as humans have been driving. That does not mean that someone who causes a crash and hurts someone because they were distracted has an excuse. Student drivers are taught from day one that they must keep their eyes and focus on the road at all times. It only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause a serious car crash. Distracted drivers can fail to notice a line of cars braking ahead of them and cause a rear-end collision. Perhaps scarier, distracted drivers can fail to notice a red light, stop sign, or pedestrian. Distracted driving is dangerous for everyone on or near the road. If you were injured by a distracted driver, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. 

Top 3 Distractions That Can Lead to Crashes

Any number of different things can take a driver’s attention off the road long enough for an accident to occur. Although cell phones are now a leading cause of distraction, they are not the only thing that distracts drivers. Some are avoidable, and others are less so. Either way, drivers are responsible for keeping their attention where it belongs. Top causes of driver distraction include:

• Passengers - Anyone who has ever taken a turn at being the designated driver for a group of friends knows that passengers have the potential to be very distracting. Even as passengers, intoxicated, excited, angry, or rowdy people can create danger on the road. Young children can also be a great source of distraction. They may kick seats, scream, or throw things. Parents and peers alike would be best advised to pull over until calm has been restored to the vehicle.

• Scenery - Passengers may do all the sightseeing they want. Drivers, however, should only be looking at the road and road signs while the vehicle is in motion. It is easy for a driver who is busy gazing at a pretty landscape or interesting cityscape to not notice a crash about to happen. 

• Maps - Nearly everyone uses some form of an electronic, interactive navigation system. Whether it is on a cell phone or integrated screen, drivers should not be interacting with their navigation system while driving. If a driver needs to add a stop or search for nearby gas stations, they should pull over. 

Getting distracted while driving may be a type of negligence that could render the at-fault driver liable for any injuries they cause. 

Call a Lake County Car Accident Attorney

Salvi & Maher, LLP will conduct a full investigation into your crash to determine whether distraction or other negligent driving behaviors were a cause. Our skilled Waukegan car accident lawyers will seek out any proof available to help your case. Call 847-662-3303 for a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html