In recent years, distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. Essentially, distractions can impact your vision (taking your eyes away from the road), your control (taking your hands off the steering wheel), and your attention (taking your mind away from the primary task of driving).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eight (8) people in the U.S. are killed in distracted driving accidents every day. In a 2018 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), an estimated 400,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
The following are the five most common causes of distracted driving accidents:
Cellphones – One of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents in the U.S. is talking or texting on a smartphone. According to the National Safety Council, nearly a third of all collisions involve using a cellphone. Not only can using your cellphone result in a crash, but it is also against the law in many states.
Passengers – Other occupants in the vehicle can divert your attention away from safely driving, especially if you are engaged in a conversation or a passenger’s activities or behavior are particularly distracting.
Adjusting console controls – Whether you are trying to find the right radio station or changing the temperature, fiddling with your car controls can take your eyes away from the road and your hands off the wheel.
Eating and drinking – Many people like to eat their meals on the go, especially when they are dealing with a busy schedule. But if you encounter an unexpected traffic condition, it may be difficult to avoid a crash with a drink or food in one or both of your hands.
Grooming – Those who run late to work try to brush their teeth, comb their hair, or apply their makeup while driving. Grooming can take your attention away from driving, which is why it can lead to a serious collision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in Knoxville, contact Eldridge and Cravens, PC today at (865) 544-2010 for a free initial consultation. Our legal team has more than 55 years of collective legal experience!