Personal Injury Lawyer
Despite efforts at raising awareness through public safety campaigns, distracted driving continues to be a problem through the U.S. The lure of sending texts, emails, checking social into social media, and taking pictures is a strong one. While these activities are known to be a leading factor in car accidents and injuries, being distracted by your phone can increase your risk of injuries as a pedestrian as well.
Distracted Driving
According to safety experts, distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as many as nine people each day are killed in distracted driving accidents, while more than 1,000 others suffer serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. Common ways in which drivers can get distracted include:
- Visual distractions, which cause you to take your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions, which cause you to take your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distractions, which is when your mind wanders from the task of driving
Smartphones are a common culprit in these accidents and are particularly dangerous as they generally involve your visual, manual, and cognitive skills, all at the same time. Making calls, taking photos, or texting is not the only distraction drivers face, though. Changing GPS or radio stations, eating fast food, and even talking to other passengers can all take your focus off the road long enough for an accident to occur.
Distracted Driving Accidents and Pedestrians
While the dangers of distracted driving are fairly well known, walking while distracted can put you at risk as well. New studies from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) show that pedestrian accidents have been increasing about 10 percent over previous years, and using smartphones while walking plays a significant role.
Whether walking for exercise, running errands, or to get to work or school, many people keep their attention focused on their phones, rather than on conditions around them. Texting, scanning social media, and using earbuds to listen to music can make you oblivious to dangers, making pedestrian accidents more likely to occur. Common dangers that put people walking at risk include:
- Stepping or stumbling and falling off sidewalks
- Disregarding traffic signals at busy intersections
- Failing to pay attention to motorists engaged in dangerous behaviors, such as speeding or aggressive driving
- Failing to hear or notice specific danger signals, such as blaring horns or screeching tires
To guard against the risk of a variety of different types of accidents and injuries, drivers, as well as pedestrians, should be cautious in avoiding anything that distracts their attention from what they are doing. This means keeping cell phones and other electronic devices in your pocket, backpack, or handbag until you safely reach your destination.
Let Us Assist You with Your Case
When accidents and injuries do occur, you need professional legal representation to ensure your rights are protected. Contact a personal injury attorney in Ewing, NJ to request a free consultation for advice on how to get the compensation you deserve.
Thanks to Davis & Brusca, LLC for their insight into personal injury law.