Distracted driving is driving while your mind, eyes, or hands are doing something else. Nearly any activity that causes drivers to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their attention away from maneuvering the vehicle could be considered distracted driving.
Common driver distractions include:
- Talking, texting, or checking social media on a mobile device, such as a smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Personal grooming, such as combing hair or applying makeup
- Reading paper maps or using an in-vehicle navigation system
- Adjusting the vehicle’s audio or climate controls
- Searching for a dropped item
- Scolding children or conversing with passengers
- Smoking
- Rubbernecking at accidents or attractions
- Daydreaming or worrying
While these actions may not be as obviously harmful as speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, research shows they can be just as dangerous, because they take the driver’s attention away from the road and significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Each year in the United States, thousands of serious and life-shattering car accidents are directly attributed to distracted drivers. In 2015 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,477 Americans, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Also, as idyllic as Indiana can be, the state hasn’t been able to escape the consequences of distracted driving, which comes at a particularly high price for Hoosiers in terms of both lives lost and literal economic losses.
According to Indiana’s Distracted Driving Injury Prevention Resource Guide, in 2014, approximately 9,000 motor vehicle accidents were caused by driver distractions, resulting in an economic cost of $197.5 million.
Were You Injured by a Distracted Driver?
For a free legal consultation, call 317-636-7777
If you were severely injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, filing a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party would allow you to pursue compensation for damages. These cases can be difficult to prove, but having the honest yet aggressive representation of an experienced car accident lawyer can help. Contact Sevenish Law’s Indianapolis law office today to schedule your appointment for a free case consultation.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
