Distractions are everywhere. In recent years, drivers have been faced with more temptation to take their eyes off the road than ever. Driving is a skill that requires your full attention to safely control your vehicle and respond to events happening on the roads around you. Accidents today caused by the slightest distraction, looking away, changing a radio station, answering a cellphone, even waving goodbye, can result in life-altering injuries or worse.
We see the signs all over our Connecticut highways: “Don’t drive distracted yet, many people do multiple times per car trip. With that in mind, Connecticut drivers need to take extra caution when heading out on the roads. Accidents today are caused mostly by driver distractions. That being said, distracted driving is the leading cause of most vehicle crashes and near-crashes. In most crashes, the distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash.
According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80 percent of crashes involved some form of driver distraction, while 65 percent of near-crashes also involved a distracted driver.
When you are driving, the condition of the roadway you are on and the behavior of other drivers can change abruptly, leaving you little or no time to react. When you are driving, follow these rules:
Occurs when the individual actually takes his or her hands off of the wheel. This could be while they are talking on a cellphone, eating, putting on makeup or even waving to someone.
Anything that causes the driver’s eyes to leave the road, such as texting, changing the radio or looking at a passenger.
Not having your mind fully engaged in what you are doing.
Distracted driving can have serious consequences, including car accidents and fatalities. In addition, distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and legal consequences. It’s important to remember that any activity that takes your attention away from the road, even for a few seconds, can be dangerous.
When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examined the statistics, it was discovered that up to 416,000 people were injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver.
With the rise of technology, distracted driving has become a major concern on the roads. Smartphones, GPS devices, and other gadgets have made it easier than ever to stay connected while behind the wheel, but they also pose a serious risk to drivers and others on the road. In fact, distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of car accidents, and it’s important to take steps to prevent it.
One of the most effective ways to prevent distracted driving is to use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth headsets or speakerphones. This allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. It’s also important to avoid using your phone while driving, even if it’s just to check a text message or make a quick call. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location first. Other ways to prevent distracted driving include programming your GPS before you start driving, avoiding eating or drinking while driving, and keeping your music at a reasonable volume. By taking these steps, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
If you were injured by a distracted driver, you could have grounds to file a personal injury claim.
The distracted driving accident lawyers at McCoy & McCoy work hard to keep the roads safe for everyone. Distracted drivers must be held accountable for the injuries and losses they cause.
Our certified civil trial lawyer – a certification that fewer than 0.5 percent of all Connecticut lawyers have earned – Frank McCoy Jr. can help you secure the full and fair compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term needs.
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If you or a loved one have been injured in a distracted driving car accident and need legal consulting, contact McCoy & McCoy. With more than 50 years of experience fighting for the rights of victims who have suffered life-changing injuries, McCoy & McCoy is ready to work for you so that you can focus on getting well.