How Losing Focus on the Road Can Prove Fatal
Despite being used interchangeably, distracted driving and inattentive driving are two different things. Unfortunately, both can have deadly consequences since they involve losing focus on the road. If you are injured due to a distracted or inattentive driver, you might be entitled to compensation for your losses.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland, & Briggs, we have over 100 years of combined legal experience helping injured parties secure the largest recovery possible. Our dedicated legal team knows what it takes to win and will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you are injured in a car accident, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to book a free consultation.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when something takes a motorist’s attention away from driving. The most common form of distracted driving is related to cell phone use or texting while driving, however, it can encompass a wide range of activities.
Types of distracted driving include:
- Using a cell phone while driving (texting, streaming, talking, browsing)
- Using navigation devices
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Searching the radio
- Doing makeup or hair while driving
- Reaching for a fallen object
- Talking with passengers
- Viewing outside scenery (crashes, police activity, attractions)
- Daydreaming
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 9 people killed each day in crashes involving distracted drivers. In 2019 alone there were over 3,100 people fatal traffic collisions involving a distracted driver and around 424,000 injuries.
What Are the Types of Distracted Driving?
The CDC notes that there are 3 main types of distracted driving. All of them are dangerous, but a situation that involves multiple types of distraction is the most hazardous to yourself and others.
Types of distraction:
- Visual distractions – Visual distractions are those which require you to take your eyes off of the road.
- Manual distractions – Manual distractions are those which require you to take your hands off the steering wheel.
- Cognitive distractions – Cognitive distractions are those which require you to take your mind off of driving.
One of the reasons that texting and driving is so dangerous is because it generally incorporates all three types of distraction. The CDC notes that if you send or read a text at 55 miles per hour it is the equivalent of “driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.”
What Is Inattentive Driving?
Inattentive driving is a form of distracted driving. It is a cognitive distraction that takes your mind off of driving. Daydreaming is a form of inattentive driving. While you may not take your hands off of the wheel or your eyes off the road, it is still unsafe to drive if you are not focused on the task at hand.
Driver inattention is responsible for a large number of accidents each year. Mental distractions can make it difficult to concentrate. It is important to remove any potential distractions before getting behind the wheel.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
If you are injured in a distracted driving accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free consultation.
