Globally, car accidents are a leading cause of death. According to the Bureau of Transport Statistics, in 2019, there were over 2 million injured people from traffic accidents in the United States. In addition, over 36,000 people died following those accidents. While numerous factors are responsible for these accidents, including drunk driving and vehicle defects, distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. If you are involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you will need an Atlanta auto accident lawyer.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,142 deaths in the United States in 2019 due to distracted driving. This article will discuss what distracted driving is with examples and tips to avoid distracted driving. Furthermore, we would discuss what you can do if you are in an accident that involves a distracted driver.
What Is Distracted Driving?
The NHTSA defines distracted driving as any activity that takes away a person’s attention from driving safely. Numerous activities can distract a driver. While some may not be in their sphere of control, the majority aren’t. Distracted driving also increases the chance that a person will be involved in an accident. Here, we’ll look at some of the most common causes of distracted driving.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs can affect a person’s judgment. A drunk driver is a danger behind the wheels as they cannot make correct decisions while driving. It is one of the factors that has received the most attention in recent years.
Texting and Making Calls
Some drivers text or make calls while driving, and this distracts them. It’s a bit difficult to concentrate on both driving and composing a text fully. Furthermore, assuming you receive sad news while behind the wheels, your reaction could increase your chances of a crash.
In addition to drugs, alcohol, and texting, drivers could get distracted when they are tired. Therefore, they must get enough sleep before getting behind the wheels.
How To Prevent Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a problem that could affect anyone. While you may not be the one distracted, another driver who is distracted could cause untold harm to you or other road users. As a result, various states have enacted laws to curb distracted driving, including banning driving while texting.
Some others have also reduced the number of people that can ride with teenage drivers. Georgia is one of the states that have banned texting while driving. However, even with all these, there are still some things that can be done by drivers and passengers to ensure fewer distracted driving incidents. As a driver, commit to not getting distracted while driving.
It takes about five seconds to read or send a text message. In that brief window, another car or motorist could make an error that you would struggle to correct if you are distracted. If you must text or receive calls, do so with a hand-free device or park by the side road. Driving while upset is also dangerous as your mind is typically off the road.
In addition, do not eat while driving. Furthermore, as a driver, you should never drive if you are tired. Take some time and sleep before getting on the road. If you must use your car, get someone else to drive you while you take a nap.
As a passenger, you must speak up if the driver is distracted. You can also help the driver with any tasks that could distract them from focusing on driving. For example, try to avoid having heated conversations with the driver while in a car.
That can wait until you get home. Teenagers are prone to get distracted while driving. If you are a parent or have a teenager at home, you must make them aware of the dangers of distracted driving.
Learn How Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
If you have been in a car accident involving a distracted driver in Atlanta, it is important to know your rights. You may also be entitled to some compensation for your injuries. Having an experienced lawyer help you through the process is very valuable as they will make you aware of your options. In addition, they would advise you on the best course of action to take.
At Ted A. Greve and Associates, our auto accident lawyers have years of experience working with auto accident victims to get their deserved settlements. Therefore, you can be sure that you are in the right hands. In addition, our lawyers would help you with everything from filing records with the insurance office to gathering evidence to support your case. Contact us for a free consultation today.
