Just a few short decades ago, cellphones were luxury items and used by only a few people. These days, however, cellphones are common devices and used by the vast majority of Colorado residents on a daily basis. Although you may consider your cellphone an essential part of your life, you’re also most likely aware that using it behind the wheel can be very dangerous. Operating a motor vehicle requires constant attention, laser focus and split-second decision-making.
When you’re driving and become distracted by your phone, the odds of being involved in a motor vehicle accident increase exponentially. Although distracted driving has become synonymous with cellphone usage, there are a number of things that can cause you to become distracted behind the wheel. Any physical action that takes your focus off of the road or your hands from the wheel is distracted driving.
Grooming and eating
Today’s world is a fast-paced one and all about productivity. This may cause you to look for ways to become more efficient or multitask. Behind the wheel is not the place for multitasking. However, many drivers these days think they can save time by eating or grooming themselves while driving.
One recent study found that more than 70% of drivers eat while driving, and over 80% of people consume beverages while driving. The study also found that women are more likely to groom themselves or apply makeup behind the wheel. According to statistics, drivers are almost two times as likely to crash while eating and about three times more likely to crash while grooming themselves when driving.
Reading
While it may seem like common sense to refrain from reading while driving, reportedly about 6% of drivers admit to doing it. Most drivers want to make good time when traveling, so it can be tempting to look at a map while at the wheel instead of taking the time to pull over. Always pull over to read directions instead of doing it while driving. Arriving a little late to your destination is always better than not arriving at all.
Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous
It seems like distracted driving is a hot topic these days. You’ve most likely seen commercials about the dangers of distracted driving. Also, most states are passing legislation to outlaw and discourage using cellphones while driving. If these public awareness campaigns make you think that distracted driving is as bad, if not worse, than drunk driving, it’s because it is. Every year, thousands of people receive injuries or die in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers.
It only takes a split second for an accident to happen. If you’re involved in a serious crash, your life could change dramatically and permanently. For those involved in an accident, the aftermath could not only include physical pain, but often financial pain. If you’ve experienced an injury or suffered the terrible loss of an immediate family member at the hands of a negligent driver, you may have a right to monetary damages.