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) 496-0549 to book a free consultation.
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:
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.
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:
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.”
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.
If you are injured in a distracted driving accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at (713) 496-0549 to schedule a free consultation.
