Some people may believe they are the safest drivers, but they could unknowingly perform risky behavior while behind the wheel. From novice to experienced drivers, everyone can be prone to distractions while on the road. Most of these instances may seem harmless, but other times, all it takes is a single glance away from the road to cause a potentially fatal collision.
Any distraction can be a risk factor as long as it takes away a driver’s focus while behind the wheel. Data collected through surveys done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that some of these behaviors happen frequently, including the following:
- Getting into discussions or conversations with other occupants of the vehicle
- Using devices while driving, such as mobile phones or navigational systems
- Taking calls, emailing or texting while behind the wheel
- Diverting attention to others in the car, such as children or teens
- Eating or drinking while driving
A significant portion of the data shows that using hands-free devices can be safer, but it can still pose risks due to dividing the driver’s attention. The agency links distracted driving to collisions, causing around 3,522 deaths in 2021 alone. Aside from risking the safety of people inside the vehicle, this practice can endanger others on the road, including pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists.
Looking at the whole picture
Getting involved in a collision because of a distracted driver can be devastating. Aside from sustaining severe injuries, this type of accident tends to become fatal. In these scenarios, holding negligent parties accountable could be vital. When taking legal action against who is at fault, consider seeking legal counsel to help determine the true gravity of the incident based on damages and other crash details. Doing so makes it possible to look at the whole picture and choose legal options appropriate to the circumstances.