Navigating roads and highways in Atlanta is tricky enough without adding to the possibility of an accident by being distracted while operating a vehicle. Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities caused by auto accidents. The CDC reports that approximately 15 people are killed and 1,200 injured daily in accidents involving a distracted driver. These statistics are not getting better, but worse with the mounting influence that smart phones, iPads, Kindles and other handheld devices have on Georgia drivers.
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. These disruptions can include visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off operating the vehicle). Even making use of vehicle navigation systems and other technologies can be sources of distraction.
Most Common Driving Distractions
In a 2011 study performed by the United States Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 57% of Americans admitted to partaking in distractions for personal purposes. The study ranked the driving distractions that Americans engaged in the most, from greatest to least:
- Talking with passengers
- Adjusting vehicle climate/radio controls
- Eating, snacking, or drinking
- Using a cell phone to text or make a call
- Tending to children passengers
- Reading, including maps
- Grooming
- Preparing for work
Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from drivers, it is by far the most dangerous distraction. Any one of these things can take a person’s attention off the road and other drivers just long enough to cause an accident that could leave someone injured or killed.
“i’m A Safe Driver. Sending One Text Won’t Cause Any Problems.”
Many people believe that these accidents just won’t happen to them. You may be a pro at multitasking while driving, but it only takes one mishap to cause a fatal accident. Just because you believe you’re a safe driver doesn’t mean others on the road are. If another driver is operating a vehicle while distracted, you can more easily avoid an accident with them if you’re not distracted at the same time. Studies say that drivers using phones, no matter how much of a pro they are, are 4 times more likely to cause a car crash as other drivers.
Experienced Marietta Auto Injury Attorneys
If you have been injured or someone you love has suffered a wrongful death in a collision with a distracted driver, the attorneys at Jones & Swanson want to help. With over 40 years of combined experience, we have represented clients seeking legal wrongful death in a variety of situations. The affordable Kennesaw auto accident injury lawyers at our office represent injured parties in wrecks involving cars, tractor trailers, motorcycles, drunk drivers, and many other types of accidents. If you’ve been injured in an Atlanta auto accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Atlanta automobile wreck lawyer as soon as possible. We understand the complexities involved in auto accidents and have the experience to maximize the value of your claim, so contact our Marietta auto accident lawyers today.
