Distracted driving is on the rise: here’s how to reduce your risk

Car accident lawyers are noticing a significant uptick in car accidents that are related to distracted driving. Distracted driving is far more prevalent than it ever has been. Thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, it is getting more dangerous than ever to be on the road.

In 2018, there were over 3,500 fatal car accidents — and many of those are attributed to distracted driving. Car accident lawyers report they are seeing a high number of car accident victim cases because of distracted driving. But what exactly is considered distracted driving? And how can you reduce your risk of collisions?

What’s Keeping The Eyes Off the Road?

Car accidents are rarely just an accident. In most cases, someone is at fault. And unfortunately, distracted driving often plays a part. Today, most distracted driving cases relate to cell phone use.

Taking your eyes off the road for even a second or two can end in a serious car accident. Responding to a text, checking emails, using a navigation app, or answering your phone can put you and other drivers at risk. Of course, those are not the only things that are distracting us on the road. Other distractions include:

• Eating while driving. Reaching for that burger or fries while you are driving can be the split-second that is needed to cause an accident.
• Putting on makeup. Doing double duty while you are driving by touching up your makeup can be a recipe for disaster.
• Using technology. Phones aren’t the only devices that can cause us to become distracted. Driver-assisted technology, like navigation devices and in-car entertainment systems, can play a role.

Not keeping your eyes firmly on the road is dangerous. Whether it is grabbing a quick bite or thinking that driver-assisted technology has you covered while you are doing other things, you are putting yourself at risk and others.

What If I Become a Victim of Distracted Driving?

If you have been in a car accident and you believe that the other driver was distracted while driving, you may be wondering, “do I need a lawyer?” The answer is yes. Very rarely will a driver say that they were texting or answering their phone or doing something else while they were driving. But a lawyer may able to help prove, through the gathering of witness statements, cell phone records, or surveillance footage, that the other driver’s negligence and distraction resulted in property damage or injuries.

An experienced Laguna Niguel personal injury lawyer pursue the justice that you deserve after being injured in a distracted driving incident. They can gather the proof that the other driver was not paying attention and caused the accident and your resulting injuries.

Keep your eyes on the road — and if the other driver did not, get the support of a trusted car accident lawyers in your corner to put an end to their poor driving practices and get the compensation you deserve.