The Age of Distracted Driving

The Deadly Consequences of Distracted Driving: Car Accidents on the Rise

Distracted driving is the leading cause of all car accidents. A large contributing factor to distracted driving is the use of modern technology aka cell phones. Every minute people send over 15.2 million texts. Many of which are sent by people driving cars, trucks and other vehicles. Each year there are at least 3,000 deaths due to distracted driving. Distracted driving not only claims 3,000 lives each year but distracted driving is the cause of over 920,000 accidents resulting in over 275,000 injuries.

Distracted driving has become a pervasive issue on our roads, with potentially deadly consequences. In this modern era, we have an abundance of technological distractions at our fingertips, making it easier than ever to take our eyes off the road. As a result, car accidents related to distracted driving have been on the rise, claiming lives and causing serious injuries. This post delves into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to combat this alarming issue.

Distracted Driving is Avoidable

The good news is that distracted driving is almost 100% avoidable.  In fact, human errors cause 90% of all car accidents. As a result, distracted driving is quickly becoming one of the top causes of car accidents that occur due to human error.  What can you do to stay safe? Stay focused. This can prevent you from causing a car accident.

The Causes of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is primarily caused by the following factors:

1. Cell Phones: The widespread use of smartphones has made texting, calling, or browsing social media while driving a common problem. When a driver takes their eyes off the road to read or send a text, their reaction time slows, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.
2. In-Car Infotainment Systems: Modern vehicles come equipped with increasingly sophisticated infotainment systems, which can be just as distracting as a cell phone. Adjusting the radio, inputting navigation, or changing climate settings can divert a driver’s attention.
3. Eating and Drinking: Consuming food and drinks while driving is a widespread habit, but it takes the driver’s hands off the wheel and their attention away from the road.
4. Grooming: Some drivers engage in personal grooming activities like applying makeup or fixing their hair while driving, diverting their attention from the road.
5. Daydreaming: Although not tied to technology, daydreaming is another common cause of distracted driving. The mind wanders away from the task at hand, leading to decreased awareness and reaction time.

The Effects of Human Error

Every minute of every day, we are overwhelmed by the constant stream of media. Just imagine how many of these millions of distractions are bombarding the drivers around you? How often do you see other drivers looking down or away from the road?

Nearly 10% of all driving fatalities are caused by distracted driving. Sadly, around 25% of distracted drivers in fatal crashes are between the ages of 20 and 29; at least 48% of young drivers admit to distracted driving; and about 75% of all fatalities occur among young males under 25.

Consequences of Distracted Driving

The consequences of distracted driving are far-reaching and severe:

1. Increased Accidents: Distracted driving significantly raises the likelihood of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for over 3,100 fatalities in the U.S. in 2019.
2. Injuries and Fatalities: Even minor accidents can result in serious injuries, while more severe accidents can be fatal. Victims may suffer from long-term physical and psychological trauma.
3. Property Damage: Distracted driving accidents often lead to vehicle damage, with costly repairs and insurance claims.
4. Legal Consequences: Distracted drivers may face legal repercussions, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the accident.
5. Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies may raise rates for drivers involved in accidents caused by distraction, costing the individual significantly over time.

Solutions to Combat Distracted Driving

To address the issue of distracted driving and reduce the number of related accidents, several solutions can be implemented:

1. Education and Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can inform drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and the potential consequences. These campaigns should target all age groups, including teenagers and adults.
2. Stricter Laws and Penalties: Governments can enact stricter laws and penalties for distracted driving. These measures can include hefty fines, license suspension, and even impoundment of the vehicle for repeat offenders.
3. Technological Solutions: Automakers can develop more advanced safety features that prevent certain functions while the vehicle is in motion, such as disabling texting or blocking app usage.
4. Personal Responsibility: Encouraging personal responsibility and self-awareness is crucial. Drivers must recognize the dangers of multitasking while behind the wheel and make a conscious effort to stay focused.
5. Peer Influence: Friends and family members can play a role in discouraging distracted driving by setting good examples and speaking up when they witness loved ones engaging in dangerous behaviors.

Distracted driving has become a pressing issue leading to an increase in car accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The widespread use of technology has exacerbated the problem, making it essential for governments, automakers, and individuals to take proactive measures to combat this issue.

While you can stay focused on the road – you cannot control what other drivers do. In the event that you or a loved one is injured because of a distracted driver, call the experienced personal injury attorneys at Gage Mathers. We can help you hold distracted drivers accountable for the injuries and damage they cause.