What Are the Most Common Distractions for Drivers That Lead to Car Accidents?
January 2, 2024
Unfortunately, drivers tend to do many things behind the wheel that can lead to accidents. Distracted driving is a leading cause of severe car accidents. Here are some of the top causes of distracted driving car accidents in the United States.
Smartphone Use
By far, the most common distraction for drivers is the smartphone. Drivers often check their phones, send texts, and look at social media while driving. Nearly one in five drivers admit to sending texts while driving. The problem is far worse among younger drivers, who have less experience.
Roughly one in every 10 car accident fatalities involves an accident where a driver was texting. These accidents are more severe because both drivers cannot take evasive action to avoid the accident. These accidents often occur at higher speeds without drivers having the chance to brake.
Eating Behind the Wheel
Before the smartphone, eating was perhaps the biggest thing competing for a driver’s attention. Eating means that the driver has one hand on the wheel and is trying to avoid making a mess. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that eating from a container raises the risk of crashes and near-misses by 39 percent.
Infotainment Screens
Technological advances in cars have also introduced new distractions. Newer cars have a screen drivers use to adjust music and read texts. These screens can be almost as dangerous as phones because the driver is not looking straight ahead.
Conversations With Other Passengers
Other passengers in the car can also distract the driver. The motorist may be engaged in conversation, focusing on passengers in the car. Not only may the conversation be distracting, but the driver may also turn to face the person they speak to. The result is that the driver will not fully focus on the road.
Roadside Distractions
Drivers may be looking elsewhere on the road. Other stimuli may be near the road, such as a billboard, a car accident, or an adjacent store. Drivers often take their eyes off traffic to see what is happening on the other side of the road, also known as rubbernecking.
Daydreaming
A driver may daydream behind the wheel. A driver lost in thought is not fully paying attention to the road. Drivers should keep their minds alert by taking frequent breaks when driving long distances.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you have been injured in a distracted driving car accident, our Maryland car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can fight on your behalf. The first step is to call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.