Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic-related injuries and fatalities, accounting for about 25% of accident deaths on the road. This is an alarmingly large percentage considering the preventable nature of it. Unfortunately, these accidents occur simply because many drivers believe their full attention is not required while behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted driver, it is crucial to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney to pursue maximum compensation for your losses and suffering.
Top 10 Causes
When we think of distracted driving, many of us often think of cell phone use. We have probably all, at one point, peered into the window of a car and watch a driver text or make a phone call with one hand while trying to steer the wheel with the other. While this is certainly a dangerous habit that can cost lives, it is not the only form of distracted driving. Below are the top 10 distractions for drivers, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System:
- Smoking: This includes lighting a cigarette, smoking, or putting out a cigarette, and only accounts for a mere 1% of distracted driving fatalities.
- Moving objects: Moving objects refer to things within your vehicle that might cause you to take your eyes off the road, such as insects or pets. It also accounts for another 1% of distracted driving fatalities, though some experts believe it is actually an underreported cause of distractions.
- Using devices or controls to operate the vehicle: Even making adjustments to your car, such as the mirrors or seatbelts, can be a distraction. It accounts for 1% of distracted driving fatalities.
- Adjusting the audio or climate controls: Changing radio stations to find just the right song or adjusting the A/C caused about 2% of distracted driving fatalities.
- Eating or drinking: Many of us are in a hurry and sometimes do not have time to eat or drink, which prompts some to turn their cars into a haphazard dining space. This accounts for 2% of distracted driving fatalities.
- Using or reaching for a device in your vehicle: Obviously using the device itself is a distraction, but even trying to reach for one will sometimes require you to take your eyes off the road, which is why this accounts for 2% of distracted driving fatalities.
- Other occupants: Passengers in your car will likely want to talk and often demand much of your attention while you are driving. This accounts for 5% of distracted driving fatalities.
- Outside person, objects, or an event: Drivers sometimes take their eyes off the road when driving past an accident, gawking at it. Sometimes flashy billboards or roadside oddities grab our attention as well, resulting in accidents. This distraction accounts for 7% of fatalities.
- Cellphones: It is no surprise that cell phone use is on this list, though it might be surprising that it is only the second leading cause of distraction-related road fatalities, accounting for 12% of them.
- Lost in thought: The biggest cause of distraction is in the mind of a driver. Drivers sometimes get lost in thought and let their minds wander long enough to cause an accident. This accounts for a whopping 62% of distracted driving fatalities.
It is important to always remember how dangerous driving can be if our attention is not focused on the road. We might be a society of multi-taskers, but driving is one task we should do without interference or distractions. Your life and the lives of others depend on it.
Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Pocatello
If you or someone you love sustained injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle accident with a distracted driver in Idaho, the personal injury attorneys at May Rammell & Thompson are here to help you obtain the monetary damages you deserve. Our legal team has more than 70 years of combined experience and an extensive knowledge of state driving laws to help you navigate the complex nature of the legal system.
When you choose us, our car accident lawyers will investigate your accident and collect the necessary evidence to build an effective, personalized, and strong case strategy to secure the best possible results on your behalf.
Contact our Pocatello office today at (208) 623-8021 to schedule a consultation with a trusted member of our legal team.