DISTRACTED DRIVING AND DRIVER ERROR
Driver error is a common cause for a vehicle accident. Distracted driving is another common cause. In many cases, distracted driving leads to driver error. There are mainly four types of distracted driving that can leave to driver error.
Staying safe on the road starts with understanding the risks of distracted driving and how it can lead to driver error. It is especially important to understand these risks if you are between the ages of 21-24. The demographics between the ages of 21-24 suffer the highest amount of car accident injuries per 100,000 people.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD AND YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL
A car accident can happen in a flash. In the amount of time it takes you to look away to check a text, or grab a handful of fries, a vehicle can switch lanes. It takes only seconds to cause a vehicle accident. The National Safety Council estimates that in the time it takes to check a text on your phone it is like driving blindfolded and driving the length of a football field.
By far distracted driving is the number one cause of driver error. The biggest distraction on the road for drivers is their phones. The National Safety Council released data that suggests 25% of all car accidents are caused by cellphone distraction.
Driving is an activity that requires 100% engagement. Even with newer driver-assisted technologies, there are still over 3 million vehicle accidents each year most of them chalked up to driver error caused by distraction.
IT’S THE LAW
In Las Vegas it is against the law to use a handheld device while driving (NRS 484B. 165). Most states have now enacted laws to prevent drivers from using their handheld devices to text, access the internet, and in many states talk on their cell phones. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents that are caused by distracted driving.
Truck drivers are prohibited from using handheld devices while they are driving across the country, and yet, that law is frequently broken leaving devastation in its wake. Truck drivers will deny that they were using their phones after an accident. It is important if you have been in an accident with a truck that you have a savvy Henderson trucking accident lawyer on your side.
IT IS NOT JUST CELL PHONES THAT ARE DISTRACTING
While cell phones are the leading cause of driver error, they are not the only distraction. Other distractions include:
Eating while driving
Doing your hair and makeup while driving
Watching videos, checking a map, conversing with passengers
There are a lot of things that will take your attention off the road. In that split second tragedy can occur. Do not let it happen to you. If you have been involved in a car accident and you believe that it was driver error that caused the accident because of distracted driving, call for a free consultation today.