According to a 2015 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver recognition errors are the leading cause of auto accidents in the United States. The NHTSA specifies that “distracted driving” falls into this category.
Anything that impairs your cognitive, visual or physical abilities while driving is a dangerous distraction. Texting is one of the deadliest distractions because it impairs all three of these faculties simultaneously.
Data from Distraction.gov reveals that the problem has become widespread in the United States: More than 3,100 people died and approximately 431,000 were injured in distracted driving accidents in 2014.
If you were hurt by a distracted motorist, you may be entitled to compensation for health care bills, lost income and non-economic damages. An accident lawyer from The Truman Law Firm P.C. can evaluate the merit of your case in a free initial consultation.
Ronald W. Truman graduated in the top 10 percent of his class from Brigham Young University, and he has been practicing law for more than 25 years. Call 702-821-1821 to schedule an appointment with a personal-injury attorney in Las Vegas.
Read on to learn about five common causes of distracted driving collisions:
- Talking or Texting on a Smartphone while Driving
An estimated 660,000 motorists are manipulating electronic devices or using cell phones while driving at any given daylight moment. In an effort to mitigate this problem, many states have passed laws that limit how drivers can use electronic devices.
Under NRS 484B.165, it is illegal to access the Internet, use a hand-held cell phone, or text while driving in Nevada. The fine for a first offense is $50.
- Interacting with Passengers
Loud passengers can be incredibly distracting for drivers of all ages. However, data from TeenDriverSource.org reveals that young motorists are particularly vulnerable to being distracted by passengers. The risk of crashing increases by more than 300 percent when a teenager carries two or more passengers.
- Reading Maps
Reading a map can take your eyes off the road long enough to cause a serious accident. The American Automobile Association warns drivers that looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles their risk of crashing.
- Eating a Meal On-the-Go
Eating breakfast in your car might give you a few more minutes of shuteye, but it will increase your risk of getting in an accident. Eating is a cognitive, physical and visual distraction, so it can be just as dangerous as texting.
- Brushing Your Hair and Putting on Makeup
It is not uncommon to spot drivers combing their hair or putting on makeup at a red light. However, these seemingly benign tasks can be deadly behind the wheel. All it takes is a moment’s inattention for an accident to happen.
If you were hurt or lost a family member in a crash with a distracted driver, turn to The Truman Law Firm P.C. Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free consultation with a personal-injury attorney in Las Vegas.
