Distracted driving has always been a very real hazard and a cause of motor vehicle accidents, but today’s distractions have reached new heights. After decades of public awareness campaigns, drunk driving carries a heavy stigma along with the steep legal ramifications, but most drivers are shameless when it comes to texting while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving is six time more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.
Common Distractions
Anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road and the task of driving is a distraction. When distracted drivers cause accidents they can be held financially responsible for the harm they cause to others. Texting and other device use are very dangerous distractions, but any type of distraction can lead to a tragic crash. Examples of distractions that can lead to auto accidents include:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone, even hands-free
- Taking selfies
- Other device use such as watching videos or surfing the internet
- Eating and drinking
- Personal grooming, such as combing hair or applying makeup
- Adjusting the stereo
- Looking or reaching for objects in the floorboard or backseat
- Talking to passengers
- Tending to children
- Rubbernecking
- Daydreaming
Not “Just” an Accident
Distracted drivers often claim that they only took their eye off the road for a second. While it may be an intentional act, distracted driving is negligent driving. Some distractions take drivers by surprise, but texting and many other distracting activities are a conscious choice. A choice that endangers the lives of everyone on the road.
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver, we can help. Please call the Fargo accident attorneys of Maring Williams Law Office, P.C., at (800) 492-5297 or contact us online today to learn more about what we can do for you.
