It’s estimated that about one in ten fatal auto accidents involve distracted driving, claiming more than 3,000 lives every year. In many cases, these accidents might have been avoided if only the driver was paying attention at the time. But what exactly is distracted driving, and how does it lead to motor vehicle accidents?
Explaining Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, at its most basic, is essentially what it sounds like: someone is driving a car or other motor vehicle while being distracted by some other activity. This includes both voluntary distractions, such as might come from trying to multitask while driving, as well as ones resulting from involuntary distractions inside the vehicle. Even a brief distraction for a fraction of a second can make the difference between avoiding an accident and suffering a potentially deadly crash.
Types of Distracted Driving
While distracted driving is often seen as being synonymous with texting and driving, the fact of the matter is that any activity that takes your hands off the wheel or your minds off the road can have significant consequences. These include, but are not limited to:
The Consequences of Distracted Driving
When people are distracted while driving, it can lead to a significant delay in reaction time to things like a car stopping in front of them, or a pedestrian walking into the road. That is even assuming the distracted driver notices what is happening at all, as even a distraction of a second or two can result in them missing a hazard that could lead to an accident. Moreover, even if they do notice a problem, if their hands are occupied by food or a cell phone, they may not be able to adequately maneuver to avoid it, leading to an otherwise preventable accident.
What You Should Do if You Get Into an Accident
If you or someone you love gets into a motor vehicle accident, whether as a result of a distracted driver or any other reason, your first priority should be to speak to a doctor and get medical attention for any injuries you may have suffered. After that, however, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling auto accidents and other personal injury cases. They can review the facts of your case and determine the best path forward for you and your loved ones.
If you have been injured in an auto accident or have suffered any other kind of injury due to the negligence of others, contact the Albany-based personal injury lawyers at Dreyer Boyajian. Our experienced attorneys are always ready to assist you, and ensure you get justice for the harm you have suffered. To schedule a free initial consultation at your convenience, give us a call at 518-463-7784 or contact us online at dreyerboyajian.com.
