According to the United States government, distracted driving accounted for 3,129 motor vehicle deaths in 2014, with 431,000 additional injuries recorded. AAA notes that distracted driving is the cause of anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of all accidents.
Distracted driving accounted for 3,129 motor vehicle deaths in 2014
Needless to say, it’s no surprise that so many states are passing laws in an attempt to reduce these numbers. Louisiana is one such state where it is illegal to “use [a] wireless devices for writing, sending, or reading text-based communications while driving, regardless of age,” according to the state DMV. There are also additional laws restricting phones in a variety of other situations.
If you’ve been in an auto accident with a driver who was distracted by any number of the following reasons, reach out to us here at Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers to make sure you are properly compensated for your losses or injuries.
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Cell Phone
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Cell phones and other electronic devices account for a large portion of distracted driving accidents. So much so that distracted driving can often be defined as being distracted by an electronic device. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that, “Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.” This increases the risk of being hit or hitting someone else.
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Eating
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We all know how difficult it can be to fit in a meal during an exceptionally busy day. Many individuals will resort to eating and drinking when they drive. You know you’ve done it; but, it’s time to stop this bad habit and take the time to eat when your car is at a complete stop.
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Passengers or Pets
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Your guest riding in the car with you is another common cause of distracted driving. Even though you may just be talking, this is taking cognitive power away from your active driving, slowing reaction speeds. Additionally, our fuzzy friends can easily get in the way of driving by sitting in laps or knocking the gear shifter. Taking the appropriate precautions to reduce this driving distraction can help keep your car in one piece.
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Morning Prep
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You know you’ve seen it on your morning commute. You’ve seen the lady who is doing her mascara while driving or perhaps, the man who trims his beard as he accelerates onto the freeway. Not only are these people risking injury to themselves, but they’re also risking the lives and health of anyone around them. If that lady rear ends you, her first priority may be concern for her cornea. But, you need to be concerned about whiplash and her insurance covering damages.
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Adjusting Dashboard Items
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Another extremely common distraction is the radio, climate control, and GPS. Anything on your dashboard that involves taking attention from the road can increase accidents from distracted driving. Even allowing your phone to give you GPS directions can pull your eyes and ears away from the traffic around you.
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