Driving distracted involves any behavior that drivers engage in that removes their attention and focus from the roadway. What is important to remember is that a distracted driver is dangerous and can result in serious injuries and harm to victims.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 3.328 victims were killed and 421,000 victims were injured in distracted driving-related car accidents during 2012. A total of 17% of all car accidents that caused injury involve driver distraction. Personal injury legal protections can hold distracted drivers accountable for their negligence and help victims and their families with the harm they have suffered. It is important for injured victims to be familiar with the personal injury legal protections available to them when harmed by a distracted driver.
Distracted driving behaviors include a variety of behaviors that fall into three primary categories of driver distraction, including cognitive, visual and manual distraction. Examples of distracted driving include cell phone use, using a navigation device, operating a radio, eating and drinking while driving, grooming while driving, having conversations with passengers or texting while driving. Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it involves all three types of driver distraction in one distracted driving behavior.
When a driver does not have their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel or focus on driving, serious car accidents can result. Because of that, personal injury legal protections are available to victims and their families who should be familiar with the legal remedies available to them.