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Distracted driving and ways to prevent it

On Behalf of | Aug 3, 2020 | car accidents

You incurred serious injuries at the hands of a distracted driver in Indiana, and you may be wondering if the accident can form the basis for a personal injury claim. The answer is most likely yes. Distracted driving is clearly a form of negligence: one of the most widespread, in fact, and by no means limited to teen drivers.

What falls under distracted driving

The three types of driver distractions are cognitive, visual and manual. One takes the mind off the road, the second distracts the eyes, and the third takes the hands from the steering wheel. Smartphones, texting and social media are the biggest culprits behind the rise in distracted driving, but these are far from the only sources. A driver can become distracted by:

• Talking to a passenger
• Eating, drinking or smoking
• Applying makeup
• Playing loud music
• Adjusting the radio or climate control

Drowsiness can accompany distraction at times. Drivers should be aware that lack of sleep clouds the judgment and slows down their reactions. Multitasking is another familiar source of inattention.

How to prevent a distracted driving crash

There were 2,841 distracted driving crash fatalities in 2018 according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. To keep from becoming a statistic, drivers are encouraged to put their phones away and out of sight. They should eat before heading out on the road, and once the car is started, they can adjust the temperature controls and set up the music they want to play.

If drivers are sleepy, they should consider pulling over, stepping outside and getting some fresh air. If their drowsiness persists, they could have a friend or a ride-sharing driver pick them up. On long trips, they could pull over for a short nap.

Legal representation for serious cases

Some distracted driving car accidents end in catastrophic injuries that may partially or totally disable the victim. Perhaps you are in such a situation. A lawyer may be able to help you build up your case against the defendant and achieve a fair settlement covering past and future medical bills, lost wages and more.