April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the United States of America. At The Pendas Law Firm, we have seen the devastating effects that distracted driving can have on families. We are committed to helping victims of distracted drivers and their families recover the compensation they deserve. We are also dedicated to educating people on what constitutes distracted driving, the dangers of distracted driving, and the need to stay focused and avoid distracted driving.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors. This behavior entails engaging in any activity that takes your attention from driving. According to the CDC, the following are the main types of distractions;
- Visual distraction: occurs when your eyes as a driver are diverted away from the road. This type of distraction can include looking at the phone, a map, or something happening outside the car.
- Manual distraction: occurs when you take your hands off the steering wheel. Examples of manual distractions include grooming or applying makeup, eating, handling pets, searching for items inside a bag, and adjusting the radio.
- Cognitive distraction: happens when a motorist’s mind is not entirely focused on the task of driving. Examples of cognitive distractions include daydreaming and engaging in deep conversations with passengers.
One of the most dangerous distractions is texting. This is because texting combines all three types of distractions. When texting, you take your eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel, and mind off the task of driving.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can result in accidents in several ways. The main problem with distracted driving is that it makes it hard for drivers to perceive and respond to road conditions. When drivers are distracted, their reaction times to unexpected hazards on the road are significantly lower. Distractions can make it hard for a driver to notice potential hazards or other things, such as traffic lights on time. Some distractions like eating or drinking can even lead to a driver losing control of their vehicle or drifting out of their lanes.
Impact of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can have devastating consequences. Not only does distracted driving put the driver behind the wheel at risk, but it also puts the passengers and other road users at risk. Distracted driving can lead to serious accidents that result in severe injuries and even death. According to the NHTSA, in 2022 alone, distracted driving claimed over 3,300 lives in the United States.
Distracted driving also has economic implications. It can cost a lot of money to treat an injury sustained in a distracted driving accident or repair a car after a distracted driving accident. Distracted driving accidents can also result in lost wages when the victim is unable to work due to their injuries. Fortunately, victims of distracted driving accidents and their families can recover compensation from liable parties.
Distracted driving is a deadly epidemic on our roads. Put that phone away and avoid any other forms of distraction. Protect yourself and other road users.
Legal Help Is Available
Our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you after you or a loved one is involved in a distracted driving accident. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve from the liable party.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Ocala, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Melbourne areas.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html
