By Dan Noll on October 20th, 2024 in Car Accident
Springfield Car Accident Lawyers Explain What are the Most Common Types of Distractions While Driving?
Distracted driving is a serious problem in the United States, and victims of a distracted driving accident should also seek the help of a Springfield car accident lawyer. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claims over 3,300 lives every year in the United States. In Illinois, distracted driving contributed to almost 10,000 traffic accidents – largely due to cell phone use while driving. Cell phone use is the major distraction while driving. In fact, statistics from Illinois further indicate that at least one driver was on a cell phone in approximately 19% of all fatal accidents in Illinois. Perhaps most alarming, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that motorists who text while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than drivers who do not. But this is just one type of distraction. To protect you and your family, it is important to know what are the most common types of distractions while driving and how to avoid them.
Here at the Noll Law Office, their dedicated personal injury lawyers can help victims and their families who have been seriously injured in any type of motor vehicle accident. This includes in distracted driving accidents throughout Illinois, including right here in Springfield. They offer free consultations and case evaluations for victims and their families, and there is no upfront costs to hire their bodily injury law firm to help you. Indeed, their Springfield car accident lawyers only get paid after you get paid, and only from a percentage of your recovery, meaning that there is also no out-of-pocket expense to hire their experienced legal team. To learn more about your rights under Illinois law, schedule a free case evaluation by calling (217) 414-8889.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a danger for many reasons. These are generally broken down into the three types of distractions, which include visual distractions (takes eyes off road), physical distractions (takes a hand off the wheel), or mental distractions (takes focus off of driving). Some distractions will involve all three, such as texting while driving.
The most common types of distractions while driving include the following:
Cell Phone Use, Particularly Texting While Driving
The most prevalent distraction on today’s roads is cell phone use. Although many drivers believe they can safely multitask, reading or sending a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded – turning your vehicle into an unguided missile or dangerous battering ram. This is particularly true for tractor trailer drivers, who can cause significant personal injuries in even a low-speed crash.
Common scenarios of cell phone use causing distractions while driving include the following:
- Texting while driving, at a stop light, or while cruising with cruise control/auto pilot but not paying attention
- Checking social media notifications while approaching a stoplight, failing to notice the car ahead has stopped
- Responding to work emails on the highway, drifting into adjacent lanes
- Answering phone calls without hands-free devices, losing control during sudden traffic changes
- Playing a mobile game
- Checking sports scores
- Setting up streaming to the vehicle like music, audiobooks, podcasts, or other things, and
- Anything else through a cell phone that is dangerous and possibly deadly
Eating and Drinking While Driving
Many busy people view their vehicle as a dining room on wheels, especially if they have to travel for work between sites. However, eating while driving requires taking at least one hand off the wheel, a driver’s attention, and often involves looking away from the road to eat – all three issues.
Dangerous situations often arise when:
- Hot coffee spills during a sudden stop, causing reflexive movements
- Unwrapping food items leads to swerving or delayed reaction times
- Reaching for dropped items on the floor or passenger seat
- Cleaning up spills while the vehicle is in motion
- Wiping hands or mouth while driving, and
- Other actions in eating the food while driving that could result in a car accident in Illinois.
Passenger Distractions
Although passengers can provide company during long drives, they can also become serious distractions – whether they are adults, children, or even pets. This is especially true for teenage drivers with multiple passengers who are trying to socialize while driving. Common scenarios include:
- Turning to engage in conversations, missing important road signals
- Horseplay
- Dancing or singing to songs together
- Trying to all chat on the phone
- Looking at photos or videos while driving
- Recording videos or taking photos while driving
- Attempting to assist children in the backseat
- Breaking up arguments between children while driving
- Getting involved in heated discussions that divert attention from the road
- Rearranging a pet or keeping a pet in the car, and
- Other passenger distractions from within a vehicle that could result in a motor vehicle crash.
GPS and Entertainment Systems
Modern vehicle technology, while helpful, can create dangerous distractions. Built-in entertainment systems and navigation devices require visual and manual interaction that diverts attention from driving, especially when they are malfunctioning or not working as they should and as we expect them to work. Accidents commonly occur when drivers interact with and become distracted with a vehicle’s systems, such as the following:
- Programming GPS directions while in motion, including to avoid a crash or add a new stop
- Scrolling through music playlists or changing radio stations
- Adjusting climate controls on touchscreen displays
- Reading complex navigation instructions at critical moments
- Programming radio stations
- Getting podcasts or streaming to work
Personal Grooming
Running late for work or appointments sometimes leads drivers to attempt personal grooming while driving. This dangerous practice includes conduct like:
- Applying makeup in the mirror
- Fixing hair or adjusting clothing
- Shaving during the morning commute
- Using mirrors for personal tasks instead of monitoring traffic
- Doing hair with a mirror, and
- Performing other things like brushing teeth, flossing, or other actions that could be distractions.
External Distractions
Not all distractions originate inside the vehicle. External factors can capture a driver’s attention and contribute to a crash include the following:
- Rubbernecking at accident scenes or road construction
- Reading billboards or business signs
- Watching street performances or events
- Following emergency vehicles with flashing lights
- Interacting with other drivers or pedestrians
- Taking a photo of something outside, and
- Other dangers that originate outside of a vehicle that could result in a crash and require a Springfield car accident lawyer to help.
Hurt in a Distracted Driving Crash? Learn What are the Most Common Types of Distractions While Driving and How the Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at the Noll Law Office Can Help
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, it is essential to understand your legal rights. A skilled Springfield car accident lawyer can help gather evidence of distraction, such as cell phone records, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to build a strong case for compensation under Illinois law. They can evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by a distracted driver’s negligence.
That’s why you and your family should call the Noll Law Office for help. If you are still unsure what your rights may be and what are the most common types of distractions while driving, schedule a free consultation with their legal team by dialing (217) 414-8889 or by sending a message here.