The Dangers of Texting and Driving
Most car accidents result from individuals who believe they can focus on the road while doing other things simultaneously, such as texting and driving. There are various types of driver distractions, including:
- Speaking or texting on your device
- Drinking or eating
- Speaking with passengers in your car
- Tinkering with your radio, navigation system, or other electronic devices
- Any other activity that distracts you from driving safely
However, texting is the most risky activity that can endanger you while driving. Your eyes are diverted off the road for five seconds when you read or send a text. Driving at 55 mph is similar to driving the span of a whole football field while closing your eyes.
Unfortunately, many drivers still text and drive. In 2022, self-reported driving behaviors showed that 29 percent of drivers said they drove while reading a text message, 20 percent said they drove while typing on a cell phone or other electronic device, and 19 percent of drivers said they drove while talking on a cell phone.
If you suffered injuries in a car crash due to a distracted driver’s negligent actions, you have all the right to pursue compensation for your losses. To learn how you can secure the money you deserve to recover, discuss your case with a Buffalo car accident attorney.
Why Texting and Driving is The Most Dangerous Driver Distraction
Whatever causes you to lose your focus while driving is considered a distraction. Distractions make texting while driving incredibly risky. Distracted driving endangers surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and yourself. Aside from texting, there are three categories under which inattentive driving can be classified:
- Manual distraction: This is when your hands are off the steering wheel. For instance, drivers who adjust their stereo or look at their phone are manually preoccupied.
- Cognitive distraction: This occurs when a driver’s thoughts and actions are not directed to driving. For example, a driver who is focused on talking to a passenger is a form of cognitive preoccupation. Daydreaming is another example. This can affect the driver’s reaction time to the surroundings on the road.
- Visual distraction: This occurs when drivers turn their eyes away from their surroundings. Looking at your phone or GPS device is an example of being visually preoccupied.
Driving while texting is one of the most dangerous kinds of inattentive driving behaviors, as it involves manual, cognitive, and visual distractions. Looking at your phone leaves you with only one hand on the steering wheel. Staring at your device causes you to lose focus on the road. When your mind is processing content from your phone, you stop thinking about driving. The dangers of being on your phone while driving are caused by how distracting phones can be.
Both texting and driving necessitate a driver’s full attention. The mind simply cannot do either of them well at the same time. Texting and driving can lead to deadly collisions caused by late braking times and the failure to be aware of traffic signs or signals.
Speak to an Experienced Buffalo Car Accident Attorney Now
If you’ve suffered an injury in a distracted driving accident, a Buffalo car accident attorney at Steve Foley Law Firm can help. Set up your free case evaluation with our car accident attorney by calling 716-249-2222 or contacting us online.