Causes of Distracted Driving in the U.S.

Did you know that distracted drivers kill nearly 10 accident victims every day in the United States? In fact, distracted driving has become one of the primary causes of accident fatalities in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Whether you’re changing radio stations or quickly glancing over at a snow-capped mountain beyond the freeway, distracted driving is a dangerous risk that can be avoided altogether. Our accident attorneys at The Idaho Advocates have worked with numerous personal injury cases involving distracted driving, which is why we’d like to offer some personal insight.

The Idaho Advocates have put together a Top Five Causes of Distracted Driving list below to help ensure your safety.

How to Avoid Distracted Driving Safety Tips:

#5 The Quick Reach ‘N’ Swerve (A Distracted Driving Go-To) 

Whether you’re swatting at a big furry spider on the dashboard or trying to nudge your dog off into the backseat, your hands should stay on the wheel at all times. Reaching for objects or maneuvering other parts of the vehicle that have nothing to do with driving automatically puts you and other drivers at risk of being injured.

One quick grab at your sandal to hit the spider isn’t worth rear-ending another driver in front of you, or worse, slipping into the bed of a pickup truck. It’s extremely dangerous to let go of the wheel, not to mention that spiders can’t hurt you nearly as much as slamming into the back of another vehicle.

#4 The Hunger Pains of Distracted Driving

After a long day of work people typically want to get home, relax, and most importantly, eat. But oftentimes we end up grabbing a bite to eat on the way home, which may be quicker but makes it all the more tempting to eat and drive.

Eating or drinking at the wheel requires at least ONE hand to drift away from the road, a huge distraction. And while you may think you’re still concentrated on driving, your mind is probably more focused on that delicious sandwich you just picked up. It’s simple: just wait to eat until you get home.

#3 Car Buddies—The Distractors of all Distracted Driving!

Say you’re carpooling to work or enjoying a Friday night out with a friend, it’s highly unlikely that you and your passenger will be sitting in silence. And while it may be beneficial to have an extra set of eyes on the road, it can also be relatively dangerous.

Because having a passenger distracts and nearly doubles your chances of being in an accident, maybe it IS better to sit in silence, rather than blast your favorite 90’s playlist.

#2 Your Life or The Life of Your Social Media 

Did you know that ONE in every FOUR car crashes involving a teenager is a result of texting and driving? According to Teen Safe, texting while driving increases the risk of a car accident six times more than if a teen had been drinking and driving.

We get it though. Social media is a critical component of social status in the age of technology. But what we don’t get is the enormous amount of risk you put on yourself, your loved ones, and other drivers.

#1 The Daydream Effect, And The Worst of All Distracted Driving

Do you ever leave the office, hop in the car, and then suddenly roll into your driveway thinking, ‘Uh, how did I get here?’ Over the past five years, traffic deaths researchers have found that daydreaming is even worse than using a cell phone at the wheel.

It’s understandable that, on our commutes to and from work, we can let our minds drift into autopilot, but NOT at the wheel. Be sure to keep yourself alert and aware AT ALL TIMES!

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver:

If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should report it to the police right away. Keep in mind that if you’re ever injured or involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s extremely important to consider the following:

• Report it to the police
• Seek medical attention if necessary
• Gather as much evidence as possible (i.e. location, witnesses, # of vehicles involved)

Our accident attorneys at The Idaho Advocates are able to help you get your life back in order. We represent thousands of car accident victims each year and have decades of legal experience. We know how to get you just compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a FREE case evaluation. You can call us at (208)-995-2444 or chat online with one of our attorneys. You deserve an Advocate!