Distracted driving caused almost 400 fatalities in 2023 and nearly 3,000 injuries throughout Texas. This is still a serious concern on roads and highways and continues to disrupt lives.
Unfortunately, many people continue to drive with various distractions—some without even realizing it. For example, have you ever looked in your backseat to speak to your kids or talk to someone? Or have you had to pick up something that fell on the floorboard? These are common types of distractions that can quickly turn into serious accidents.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes attention from driving. This can include anything from visual distractions, where your eyes leave the road, to manual distractions, which involve taking your hands off the wheel, and cognitive distractions, where your mind wanders away from the task of driving.
Our car accident lawyer at Patterson Law Group explains how these distractions lead to accidents and why staying focused is essential.
Types of Distractions
Several types of distractions can impact a driver. These include:
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions occur when drivers take their eyes off the road. Examples include checking a GPS device, looking at billboards, or reading text messages. These actions divert your visual attention and increase the likelihood of missing crucial changes in the driving environment.
For instance, glancing at a text message for just five seconds at 55 mph means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without looking at the road. That’s ample distance for an unexpected hazard to appear, leading to an accident.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve activities that require drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. These include using a phone, adjusting the radio, or eating and drinking, compromising one’s ability to control the vehicle properly.
Imagine turning the wheel with one hand while holding a sandwich with the other. In an emergency, the lack of proper control can prevent you from making necessary maneuvers to avoid a crash.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when one’s mind is not focused on driving. This can happen when daydreaming, dealing with mental fatigue, or engaging in intense conversations. Even when one’s eyes are on the road, and hands are on the wheel, a wandering mind can significantly impair one’s driving abilities.
For example, being lost in thoughts about a stressful workday can cause you to miss a stop sign or fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street.
How Distractions Impact Driving Ability
Distractions can severely impact a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle in several ways.
Reduced Reaction Time
Distractions delay your response to sudden changes or hazards. A distracted driver may not notice a car braking suddenly ahead or a child running into the street until it’s too late. This delayed reaction time can be the difference between a near-miss and a catastrophic accident.
Impaired Judgment
Distractions affect your decision-making and risk-assessment abilities. When you’re distracted, you’re more likely to make poor decisions, such as speeding through a yellow light or misjudging the distance between vehicles.
For instance, a driver engaged in a heated phone conversation might change lanes without checking blind spots, leading to a collision.
Decreased Attention to the Road
Distractions cause you to lose focus on driving and observing traffic conditions. This lack of attention can result in missing important cues like traffic signals, road signs, and other drivers’ actions.
For example, a driver distracted by an in-car entertainment system might not notice a red light, resulting in a severe intersection collision.
Increased Likelihood of Errors
Distractions increase the likelihood of making errors while driving. Common mistakes include drifting out of lanes, failing to signal when turning, and not maintaining a safe following distance.
A driver messing with a navigation system might drift into another lane, causing a sideswipe accident. A Fort Worth distracted driving injury attorney near me can help you in the aftermath of a car accident if a distracted driver hurts you.
Common Examples of Distracted Driving Scenarios
Our car accident lawyer sees several scenarios here in Texas that lead to crashes.
Texting and Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions. When you text, your eyes, hands, and mind are all engaged in the task, leaving little focus on driving. This tri-fold distraction significantly increases the risk of an accident.
For instance, a driver who is texting might not notice traffic slowing down ahead, leading to a rear-end collision.
Using a Mobile Phone for Calls
Using a mobile phone for calls while driving also poses significant risks. Even with hands-free devices, the cognitive load of a conversation can distract your mind from driving.
A driver engrossed in a phone call might miss a sudden stop by the car in front, resulting in a crash.
In-Car Technology Usage
With the advent of advanced infotainment systems, drivers are more tempted than ever to use in-car technology. While convenient, these systems can be highly distracting.
A driver adjusting the car’s navigation system may stray out of their lane, causing a collision with another vehicle.
Interactions with Passengers
Engaging with passengers, especially children, can be a major distraction. Turning to talk, handling disputes, or passing items around the car takes your focus away from the road.
A driver distracted by a child in the backseat might not notice traffic slowing ahead, leading to an accident.
Legal Implications and Consequences
Texas law prohibits using handheld devices for texting while driving, with stricter regulations for younger drivers and those in school zones.
Violating distracted driving laws can result in hefty fines and penalties. First-time offenders caught texting while driving can face fines ranging from $25 to $99, and repeat offenders may incur fines up to $200. These penalties aim to deter drivers from engaging in distracted behaviors.
Impact on Insurance Claims
Distracted driving can also affect insurance claims and compensation. If you’re found to be at fault for an accident due to distracted driving, your insurance premiums will likely increase. Additionally, proving negligence in such cases can complicate claims and reduce potential compensation.
If you’re involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, consult a Fort Worth distracted driving injury attorney near me to understand your legal options and potential compensation.
Contact a Fort Worth Distracted Driving Injury Attorney Near Me Today
Distracted driving is a pervasive issue with severe consequences. From delayed reaction times and impaired judgment to increased accident rates and legal repercussions, the dangers of distraction while driving are clear. By understanding these risks and committing to focused driving, we can all contribute to safer roads.
If you’ve been a victim of a distracted driving accident, don’t hesitate to contact our car accident lawyer at Patterson Law Group. Schedule a free consultation and get the legal support you need to secure your rightful compensation. Stay safe and focused on the road ahead.
