The number of distracted driving accidents has surged in recent years, especially with the advent of the smartphone. Since the beginning of cars, if motorists have something else to do behind the wheel, they may try to multitask. Distracted driving plays a role in roughly 14% of car accidents that involve injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation.
Here are some of the things that compete for a driver’s attention when they are behind the wheel.
Use of Mobile Devices
The cell phone has caused a large spike in distracted driving accidents since its invention. Talking on the phone can be dangerous, even when the driver is using a hands-free device. The situation is even more hazardous when the driver is actually using their device with their hands. They may send texts or read the internet while driving. Sending or reading a text can take away the driver’s attention for several seconds. Then, it may take them several additional seconds to refocus their attention on the road.
Listening to Loud Music
Listening to loud music can slow down a driver’s reaction time considerably. If the music in the car is above 95 decibels, it can have a significant impact on the motorist’s level of responsiveness. Further, a driver may not be able to hear crucial things like sirens or horns that could alert them to danger in their area. Finally, loud music can overly stimulate drivers, who are solely focused on the music and not relaxed enough to pay attention to the road.
Conversation
Even though a driver may still be looking at the road while they are talking, having a conversation while driving is extremely distracting. The driver may be paying attention to the conversation instead of traffic. For example, parents who are talking to their children when driving are more focused on that than safety. Drivers should try to avoid excessive amounts of conversation when they are behind the wheel.
Eating
Many drivers choose to eat behind the wheel because they want to save time. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that eating while driving increases the risk of being involved in an accident by roughly 80%. Eating means that at least one of the driver’s hands will not be on the wheel. Further, they may devote attention to eating to avoid getting themselves dirty while driving.
Infotainment Systems
These days, all new cars are equipped with an infotainment system that controls things like music and navigation. However, when a driver uses the infotainment system, their eyes are off the road. Sometimes, they may be fiddling with the infotainment system for an extended amount of time. Research shows that analog buttons are far less distracting, although these are no longer found on many new cars.
Personal Care
You may be shocked to know that some drivers may try to groom themselves while behind the wheel. Some may apply makeup, while others may even use the time to shave. Accordingly, they may be looking at the mirror and not focused on traffic.
Reaching for an Item in the Vehicle
Drivers may be trying to locate an item that is in their car. Unfortunately, many times they are reaching for something that is not on the seat next to them. They may be looking at the floor or even reaching into the back seat, which completely takes both of their eyes off the road and hands from the wheel.
Contact the Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Today
The Brooklyn car accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki are the determined fighters that you need when you have been injured by someone else’s negligence. We are tenacious and diligent when seeking financial compensation on your behalf. To take the first step in the legal process, call us today at 718-522-1020 or submit our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. Our office is located in Brooklyn, New York, and we serve clients throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
