Distracted driving continues to be a major cause of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road, making April an important month for bringing attention to this dangerous behavior. April is officially recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the risks of distracted driving and encouraging safer driving habits.
This month serves as a critical reminder that distracted driving is not just a minor inconvenience but a serious public safety issue that affects drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. By raising awareness and taking proactive steps, we can reduce the prevalence of distracted driving and save countless lives.
Our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers have successfully represented many clients who were seriously injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, call our firm to find out what legal options you may have.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road due to engaging in activities other than driving. What types of distractions fall under distracted driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention away from driving. There are three main types of distractions that can affect drivers:
- Visual distractions: These distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road. Examples include looking at a text message, adjusting the radio, or turning to look at a passenger.
- Manual distractions: These distractions involve taking your hands off the wheel. Examples include texting, eating, or drinking while driving.
- Cognitive distractions: These distractions occur when the driver’s mind is not focused on driving. For example, thinking about personal issues, having a conversation, or daydreaming can reduce a driver’s ability to focus on the road.
Any combination of these distractions can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to hazards, making them more likely to be involved in a crash.
The Impact of Distracted Driving on Road Safety
The statistics surrounding distracted driving are staggering. How dangerous is distracted driving? According to the NHTSA, more than 3,000 people are killed each year in crashes involving a distracted driver. Over 400,000 people are injured in crashes involving distracted driving. The figures highlight the significant public safety threat posed by distracted driving, not only to the driver but also to others on the road.
While texting and driving often receives the most attention due to its dangerous combination of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, other common activities like talking on a phone, eating, or using in-vehicle technologies like GPS can also be equally dangerous. Even though the risks of distracted driving are well known, many drivers still engage in these behaviors, contributing to an ongoing and growing problem.
One of the most concerning trends is that distracted driving is prevalent among young drivers. Why are young drivers particularly at risk for distracted driving? A combination of inexperience behind the wheel, high rates of smartphone use, and the social pressure to engage with others while driving makes young drivers especially vulnerable to the dangers of distraction. According to the NHTSA, teen drivers are more likely to engage in distracting behaviors while driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using social media apps.
The Cost of Distracted Driving
The consequences of distracted driving extend beyond just the immediate danger on the road. What are the long-term effects of distracted driving? Distracted driving can result in significant personal, financial, and emotional costs.
Injury and Fatality Costs
The physical injuries resulting from distracted driving accidents can be severe and life-changing. In addition to the pain and suffering caused by injuries, victims may face long-term medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages from being unable to work due to injury.
Legal and Insurance Costs
Distracted driving crashes can lead to hefty legal and insurance costs. Drivers who are at fault for distracted driving accidents may face expensive lawsuits, fines, and increased insurance premiums. In some cases, the driver may also be held liable for damages caused to other parties involved in the accident.
Emotional and Psychological Costs
The emotional toll of being involved in a distracted driving accident is profound. Survivors of accidents, as well as those responsible for causing the crash, may experience feelings of guilt, anxiety, and trauma. These emotional consequences can linger long after the physical injuries have healed.
How Can We Reduce Distracted Driving?
The goal of Distracted Driving Awareness Month is to educate the public on how to reduce distracted driving and create a culture of safe driving. What are some effective strategies for reducing distracted driving?
Stay Focused on the Road
The most effective way to reduce distractions while driving is to stay focused. Avoid engaging in any activities that take your attention away from the road. This includes putting away your phone, setting up GPS routes before you start driving, and avoiding eating or drinking while driving. If something urgent arises, pull over safely before addressing it.
Use Hands-Free Technology
If you must use your phone while driving, opt for hands-free options like Bluetooth or voice commands. Many newer vehicles come equipped with voice-activated systems that allow drivers to make calls, send texts, or access navigation without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
Engage in Public Awareness Campaigns
Awareness campaigns, such as those promoted during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, are essential in educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving. These campaigns often include educational materials, advertisements, and social media initiatives aimed at spreading the message and encouraging safer driving habits.
Implement Stricter Laws and Penalties
Many states have enacted laws banning texting while driving or using handheld mobile phones. Do stricter laws help reduce distracted driving? Studies suggest that stronger laws and penalties can help deter drivers from engaging in distracting behaviors. Some states even impose fines, points on driving records, and license suspensions for those caught using a mobile phone while driving.
Driver Education Programs
Educating young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving is one of the most effective long-term strategies to reduce crashes. Schools, driving instructors, and parents can all play a role in reinforcing the message that driving requires full attention and focus at all times.
How Can Technology Help?
While technology is often a contributing factor to distracted driving, it can also be part of the solution. Can technology reduce distracted driving? Yes, several technologies can help keep drivers focused on the road and minimize distractions. These include:
Distracted Driving Detection Systems
Some vehicles are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that monitor driver behavior. These systems can detect when the driver is not paying attention to the road and issue warnings to encourage the driver to focus.
Apps That Block Distractions
Several apps are designed to help prevent texting and driving by blocking incoming text messages and calls when the driver is on the road. These apps can automatically respond to texts and calls to let others know that the driver is currently driving and cannot respond.
In-Vehicle Technology
Many new vehicles come with in-car systems that allow drivers to control various features, such as navigation, music, and communication, without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. Using these systems responsibly can reduce the likelihood of distractions.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Assistance
Our dedicated Virginia Beach car accident attorneys have successfully represented many victims and their families whose lives were forever changed because of the negligence of a distracted driver, like the $235,000 car accident insurance settlement we obtained for one client who suffered multiple injuries when another driver failed to yield the right of way.
Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for a free case evaluation and learn what legal options you may have. For your convenience, we have offices in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
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An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
