Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Anne Arundel County

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 3,477 people lost their lives and another 391,000 were injured in distracted driving accidents in 2015. The use of cell phones and other handheld devices had a significant impact on the growing number of distracted driving wrecks, particularly among teen drivers who want to stay connected to their friends through various social media venues.

Distracted driving is any behavior or activity that takes the motorist’s attention away from the road. Driving a car is a big responsibility which requires the complete and total attention of the motorist at all times. Unfortunately, it only takes a matter seconds for a devastating car accident to occur.

Avoiding Car Distractions

Even the most experienced driver must be able to react quickly when unpredictable situations arise. While driving can often seem like a very routine activity, one moment of distraction can end in tragedy, so it is crucial to avoid any task that requires you to do the following:

  • Take your hands off the wheel
  • Take your eyes off the road ahead
  • Take your mind off of driving

Examples of Distracted Driving

There are a wide range of things that can cause a driver to become distracted. Cell phones are one of the biggest problems because too many drivers continue to talk, text and check social media while driving. The following are examples of tasks that can impact a driver’s ability to keep their attention focused on the road:

  • Arguing with another passenger
  • Changing the radio station
  • Eating or drinking
  • Entertaining or occupying children
  • Putting on makeup or other personal grooming
  • Reaching for something in the back seat
  • Reading or navigating the GPS system
  • Talking on the phone
  • Texting
  • Watching a video

Texting and Cell Phone Use

Maryland is one of the many states that have laws prohibiting texting and driving, as well as the use of any handheld device. In addition, novice drivers in Maryland may not use cell phones when driving, regardless of whether it is a handheld or hands-free device.

These laws aim to protect drivers, as well as other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians from being seriously injured in a distracted driving accident. Unfortunately, texting and cell phone use remain two of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents.

When law enforcement arrives at the scene of an accident, they will determine whether the driver was talking on the phone, texting, or any other form of distracted driving at the time of the crash. In some cases, the driver may be held criminally liable if the accident resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.

Anne Arundel Car Accident Lawyers Seek Justice for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving, contact an Anne Arundel car accident lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Call 800-547-4LAW (4529), or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, 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.