About eight people are killed in car accidents each day that involve a distracted driver. In 2018, approximately 400,000 people were injured while more than 2,800 were killed as a result of a distracted driver.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving involves doing any activity that takes attention away from driving such as texting, talking on the phone, and eating. These types of activities can put you as well as your passengers, and others on the road in danger. Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions. Reading or sending text messages results in taking your eyes off the road for about five seconds.
Types of Distractions
- Visual: Looking at something other than the road or taking your eyes off the road for any reason.
- Auditory: The act of hearing something that is not associated with driving.
- Cognitive:Having something on your mind other than driving.
- Manual:Taking your hands off the steering wheel for any reason.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
- In 2018, one in five people who were killed in accidents involving a distracted driver was not in vehicles. These individuals were riding their bikes, walking, or involved with another activity outside of a vehicle.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence.
- There have been cell phone usein 25 percent of car accidents, according to an estimate by the National Safety Council.
Preventing Distracted Driving
Use apps: Apps can help to avoid using the cell phone and decrease distractions while you’re driving.
Avoid multitasking while driving: Whether the activity involves changing the music, eating, using the phone, or reading a text, you should do it prior to driving or after you have reached your destination. You should never do these tasks while driving.
Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle: Driving with a car full of people can present a dangerous driving situation, especially for new drivers. Some new drivers are more focused on what’s going on in the vehicle than on the road.
Pull off the road if you are sleepy: Being drowsy puts you at an increased risk of an accident by nearly four times. According to a government study, 37 percent of drivers have fallen asleep or nodded off on at least one occasion while driving. It’s not worth it to try to get home faster.
Speak up: If you’re a passenger in a vehicle where a driver is distracted, request the driver to concentrate on driving.
Offer assistance: You can help reduce distractions by offering to assist with navigation or other activities if you’re a passenger.
Distracted Driving in Colorado
Regular cell phone use is allowed for voice calls, and headphones may be worn in one ear. Sending text messages or browsing the internet while driving is prohibited. Drivers who are under the age of 18 are prohibited from cell phone use while driving.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident as a result of a distracted driver, contact a Loveland car accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation. A good lawyer will go over your legal rights and help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
