SCDPS reports that distracted driving was a contributing factor to 9,240 collisions in South Carolina in 2022. 2,678 people suffered injuries in these distracted driving accidents that could have been prevented.
Jordan Law Center’s Car Accident Lawyer explains five of the most common driving distractions, and what you need to know.
Driving Distractions and How They Impact Road Safety
The CDC says that distractions while driving include anything that takes your attention away from operating the vehicle.
Driving distractions fall into three categories:
- Visual – Eyes off the road
- Manual – Hands (and even legs) are doing something other than driving
- Cognitive – Thinking about something else
Why is distracted driving dangerous?
Distracted driving is dangerous because it delays reaction and impairs judgment. When a person isn’t paying attention, they may perceive a danger or hazard later than they would otherwise. That may give them less time to react. Even a small difference in reaction time can be consequential.
In addition, distracted driving can impair judgment. If a person is not fully paying attention, they may not make the best decision in response to a situation.
5 Common Types of Driving Distractions
-
Texting and driving
Texting and driving includes any form of manually entering information into an electronic device, including sending a text message, typing an email address, or pulling up a video or podcast. A staggeringly high number of people use their phones while driving, 73% of Americans admit to texting and driving.
On average, sending a text can take your eyes off the road for five seconds. That’s enough time to drive the entire length of a football field. If someone cuts a texting driver off or stops quickly, the driver may not realize it until it is too late.
One study found that students who text and drive are also more likely to do other risky things, like not wearing a seatbelt or driving after drinking alcohol.
2. Reaching in the vehicle
Reaching in the vehicle can include many things. Eating and drinking fall into this category. A person may reach into the backseat to tend to a child. They may reach to pick up something that they dropped on the floor.
Reaching for something takes the driver’s hands off the wheel. It likely also diverts their eyes. This is not only dangerous in impacting reaction time but could even cause the driver to drift or swerve. The person may adjust the steering wheel too quickly when they return their attention to the road and see a potential hazard.
3. Daydreaming
Daydreaming can be a form of distracted driving.
A driver may be thinking about other things going on in their life. They may pay attention to a passing billboard, a nearby accident, or things of interest near the road. When a person’s thoughts wander, they lose focus on what’s going on when it comes to operating the vehicle. They may not notice changing circumstances, and they may not react quickly enough to avoid harm.
4. Talking with others
Talking on the phone or with others in the vehicle can divert attention away from driving. Whether the conversation is mundane, highly emotional, or even exciting, talking with someone else while operating a vehicle can be a dangerous distraction.
53% of drivers say they’ve used a cell phone while driving, even though they knew it was against their state’s laws. 33% of people say they don’t know the cell phone law in their state. Currently, South Carolina generally allows hands-free cell phone use while driving, prohibiting only texting. However, cell phone use can still be a distraction that results in a crash.
5. Looking away
Visual observations are a critical part of driving. A driver must perceive the environment around them with their eyes and ears.
A person may look away from driving to check their phone, look at things near the road, or look at their appearance.
One study reports that looking away from the road for even two seconds can double the risk of a crash.
Consequences of Distracted Driving Accidents
The CDC reports that 427,100 people were injured or killed in distracted driving accidents in the United States in 2019. It isn’t just drivers and passengers who are affected. 20% of the victims are pedestrians and bicyclists.
Distracted driving is personally and economically consequential. It affects innocent victims. Tragically, many accidents would not happen if distracted driving did not occur.
Distracted Driving and Your Rights
- Distracted driving can be a fault – A distracted driver may have legal fault for an accident. (See S.C. Code § 56-5-3890, the South Carolina texting while driving law).
- It isn’t just texting and driving – Any kind of distracted driving may create fault for an accident.
- You must prove your case – It isn’t always easy. You may rely on witnesses, including vehicle passengers, phone records, video, and other measures to prove distracted driving.
- Comparative fault – When accidents involve distractions while driving, there may be questions of comparative negligence. Compensation may be reduced for shared fault.
- Legal representation – A lawyer can represent you to investigate, build your case, and claim your compensation.
Distracted driving can be the underlying cause of driver error. For example, in a rear-end accident, the driver behind may have failed to apply the brakes because they were sending a text message and reacted too slowly.
How a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Common driving distractions can result in accidents. A lawyer can help you:
- Investigate – Did distracted driving contribute to the accident?
- Build evidence – How do you prove your case?
- Evaluate – What compensation do I deserve?
- Pursue – How do I bring my case?
- Negotiate – Can I settle with the insurance company?
At Jordan Law Center, we are experienced trial lawyers. We don’t just pursue cases, we get justice.
Our lawyers handle cases involving distracted driving. We know the most common driving distractions. Whether your situation is common or uncommon, we can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Lawyer for Distracted Driving Accidents
If you have been in a collision that was the result of distracted driving, we invite you to contact our Greenville Car Accident lawyer to discuss your case. Contact Jordan Law Center today.
“There is not enough GREAT THINGS I could say about Jordan Law Center.”