We can’t stress enough the importance of giving driving your full attention. When unforeseen circumstances arise while driving, you must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively. The percent of drivers manipulating hand-held electronic devices has increased 127% since 2012. However, distracted driving is more than using your phone.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving?
As you may already know, using a cell phone while driving is a significant distraction. Because it diverts your attention from the road, you should never text or talk on the phone while driving. Additionally, having a phone in your hands indicates that you are taking your hands off the steering wheel.
It’s not just about your phone, however. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving. In Tennessee, there have been a total of 254,170 distracted driver traffic crashes since 2011. The following is a list of the most common driving distractions:
- Talking or texting on your phone
- Eating and/or drinking
- Interacting with passengers
- Adjusting a radio or other listening device
- Using a navigation system
- Grooming
- Watching a video
These activities have one thing in common: they take your eyes and your mind off the road.
The Three Types of Distracted Driving
Here are the three most common types of distracted driving:
- Visual Distractions: This kind of distraction happens when a driver’s focus is diverted from what’s going on around them by something else in their field of view, such as reading a text message or trying to read a map on their phone.
- Manual Distractions: To engage in other activities, such as eating or changing the radio station, a motorist must take their hands off the wheel and/or their eyes off the road.
- Cognitive Distractions: This kind of inattention happens when a driver’s thoughts divert from what they are doing behind the wheel, such as worrying about work or considering anything else.
Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents
Tennessee is not an exception to the nationwide rise in auto accidents. Below is an overview of the most common injuries associated with car accidents:
- Head Injuries
- Neck And Back Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Limb Amputations
Damages
If you’re the victim of a car accident and you can prove that another driver was careless, you might be able to get compensation for your injuries. Some damages you may be awarded include:
- Lost Wages
- Hospital Bills
- Doctor Fees
- Ambulance Costs
- Cost Of Alternate Transportation
- Price Of Medical Devices
- Future Lost Wages If You Are Disabled Due To The Accident
Conclusion
Millions of individuals are injured by car accidents every year, making distracted driving a severe problem. If you or a family member have been involved in an accident or were injured due to the negligence of another party, contact our Nashville-based office at 615-244-2111 for a free and confidential consultation. We will be happy to review your case at no cost to you.
Because we care…
