Distracted driving occurs any time a driver takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel or their mind off the task of driving. Distracted driving is a factor in more than one million car crashes and 16% of fatal crashes every year. Drivers engage in this type of multitasking behavior during more than half of their time on the road, and studies show that almost 80% of all crashes occurred when the driver took his or her eyes away from the road ahead of them.
According to a joint study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following are the top 10 driver distractions:
1. Using a wireless device, such as a cell phone: With technology at our fingertips, using cell phones while driving can be tempting. Cell phones aren’t just for making phone calls anymore. Other highly distracting behaviors like texting, updating social media statuses and checking email endanger you as the driver and other drivers on the road. Texting while driving takes the driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, and increases the chances of a crash by 23%.
2. Talking and interacting with passengers: Especially when drivers have children in the car, interacting with passengers can be highly distracting. Fussing with seat belts while on the road and engaging in conversation can take your hands off the wheel and your mind off the task of driving.
3. Reaching for objects inside the vehicle: Cell phones falling under seats, rolling water bottles, out-of-reach cd’s and crying children in the back seat are all dangerous distractions that must be dealt with when the car is in the parked position.
4. Programming radio stations or tinkering with dashboard controls: Changing the station, temperature and programming your GPS are all behaviors that take your eyes off the road.
5. Personal hygiene and beautification-related activities: Using an electric razor, brushing your hair and applying makeup are all activities that should take place at home in the bathroom, not in a moving vehicle.
6. Eating and drinking: Eating, drinking and movements related to consumption are distracting for drivers. This includes unwrapping a burger, opening a soda can and cleaning up the mess you are likely to cause by eating and drinking in the vehicle.
7. External distractions: Looking at objects outside the vehicle, also known as “rubbernecking,” can occur when there is an accident, a funny billboard or beautiful scenery.
8. Talking to oneself or singing
9. Smoking
10.Daydreaming
This distracted driving article is brought to you courtesy of the Los Angeles injury lawyers at Grey Law. With over 25 years of experience and an outstanding 96% success rate, Team GreyLaw can defend your rights and help you through your injury matters.
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