Top Distractions for Drivers in Illinois

 Posted on April 11, 2022 in Uncategorized

While every driver knows they should be paying attention to the road, the reality is often far different. Newer drivers can be easily distracted by others in their car, while older drivers may take for granted their skill to operate a vehicle while changing music or taking a bite of a snack. It is clear from statistics that distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents. Even losing focus for a split second can lead to severe crashes that can lead to personal injuries for all drivers and passengers involved. Here are some of the most common distractions that lead to vehicle accidents:

Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

• Cell phones – The most common cause of distracted driving is the cell phone. Even if the phone is in “hands-free” mode, making a call, sending or reading a text, or looking for directions can distract a driver enough to cause an accident.

• Other occupants – Having another person in the car with you can be distracting if you are carrying on a conversation with them, looking at them, or trying to hand them something. This can include children in the back seat. Taking your eyes off the road even momentarily can be dangerous.

• Adjusting vehicle controls – Changing the temperature, turning on the headlights, adjusting the mirrors, or other controls can lead to a distracted driving accident. Also distracting are other objects that the driver brought into the car with them, such as a radar detector, laptop, headphones, or navigational device.

• Outside distraction – While our eyes should be on the road, we can be distracted by other things outside the vehicle. This can include being distracted by another accident, a roadside sign or advertisement, or the fast sports car that just passed you.

• Eating, drinking, or smoking – Bringing food or drink in the car with us or picking up some takeout food along the way may seem like a good way to save time, but it can also help take attention away from driving. Lighting a cigarette or starting an e-cigarette and putting ashes in an ashtray are also potential accident-causing behavior.

Call a Will County Car Accident Attorney

It is best to keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel to drive safely and avoid traffic accidents. Unfortunately, not all drivers will follow that advice. If you have been in an accident where you think the other driver was distracted, our Joliet Personal Injury Lawyer can help conduct an investigation and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Michael J. Lichner - Will County Personal Injury Lawyer by email or call 815-730-1977 today for your free consultation.

Source:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813111