Multi-tasking is nothing new, and nowadays, the busier our lives become, the more we try to squeeze into a day. Unfortunately, many view driving as a time where they can get from point A to point B, while also performing a task and/or checking an item off their ‘to-do’ list. Few would dispute that driving while distracted, and they accidents caused by such behavior, is certainly on the rise.
Cosmetic application; personal hygiene; searching for lost items; fidgeting with control devices in your car; eating, and sometimes while attempting to use condiments or cleaning a food-related spill or mess—we’ve all seen it or may even be guilty of it ourselves. Distracted driving has been around as long as automobiles have. Add in technology, though, now we have an equation for disaster. How many times have you seen a motorist engaging in a distracting activity WHILE ALSO utilizing a mobile device? Undoubtedly, most have witnessed such behaviors in the past, if not on a regular basis.
The fact of the matter is that any activity, performed while operating a motor vehicle, OTHER than the task of driving, is considered to be distracted driving. Sadly, many of us don’t fully consider the impact of driving while distracted until it hits home—either by their own involvement in an accident, or that of a loved one.
What has become increasingly concerning is the combination of pre-existing distractions, with technological advances that have led to a need to remain in contact with others. You’d have to live under a rock to not notice the growing use of mobile devices to connect to others, whether directly or through social media outlets. Both the use of internet-accessible devices, as well as social media, have been identified as being habit-forming. The problem for many, though, is that this habit often continues even while operating a motor vehicle.
While some might be quick to allocate the consequences of distracted driving to our younger generation, namely newly licensed teen drivers, you might be surprised to find that statistics show otherwise. For example, when it comes to texting while driving, it is adults between the ages of 25 to 39 that are more likely engage in such distraction.
Some tips to avoid mobile device related distractions….
If you are alone and feel you can’t resist the urge, turnoff the device while in transit. If you absolutely need to keep answer a call or text, pull of the road. If you have someone in the car, ask them to be a ‘designated texted.’ We encourage motorists to try this for a week, or even for a day, and you might very well find that you are far more distracted than you ever thought you actually were.
If you or a loved one were injured in an Automobile Collision that you suspect was caused by the negligence of another, contact Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., and allow our attorneys to explain your legal rights and options to obtaining the compensation you deserve.