Distracted driving is one of the most common problems on the road today, with texting and driving being a particularly ubiquitous issue. This is partly because people underestimate just how much harm can be done from driving while suffering from distractions that take your attention away from the road. Here are five reasons that distracted driving causes accidents:
- Distracted drivers may not see hazards on the road
- One of the most basic ways that distracted driving can cause an accident is that it can prevent you from seeing a potential road hazard that may cause an accident. This might include potholes, a suddenly stopped vehicle, or debris on the road that you may need to quickly maneuver to avoid. The distraction will prevent you from seeing these issues, making an accident more likely.
- Distracted drivers may be more likely to miss pedestrians or cyclists
- It is already a consistent problem that drivers do not see pedestrians, bicycles, or motorcycles on the road, particularly if there are larger vehicles obstructing their line of sight. This problem becomes more acute when a driver is distracted, since they may miss signs of pedestrians or cyclists on the road. This may cause them to react too late to these people crossing the road or coming up alongside them, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving causes reaction delays
- When it comes time to avoid a potential accident, even a fraction of a second can make all the difference. However, distracted driving robs you of that precious reaction time, meaning you have even less ability to brake or maneuver in the event of an emergency. This can not only increase the risk of an accident, it also makes the risk of serious injuries more likely.
- Distracted driving takes your hands off the wheel
- Another issue with many distractions is that they do not only make you take your attention off the road, they can also occupy your hands. And while many people drive one-handed anyway, having both hands available for maneuvering can be crucial for maintaining control in the event of an emergency. If you are busy texting, eating, or otherwise using your hands, however, when you are supposed to be focused on driving, you may not have enough control to avoid an accident.
- Distracted driving can make you lose control of your vehicle
- People can underestimate just how distracted they become when they engage in distracted driving. There have been times where distracted drivers accidentally veer into other lanes, drift off-road, or otherwise lose control of their vehicle simply because they were not paying attention. This dramatically increases the chances of a potentially fatal accident and can endanger the vehicles around you.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell are ready to represent you in your personal injury case. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
