Most Americans admit to multitasking while driving. An inattentive driving activity is any activity that distracts and endangers the driver, passengers, and bystanders. These distractions include eating and drinking, talking to passengers, texting, calling, watching videos, reading maps, shaving, applying makeup, and anything that takes attention away from driving.
The repercussions are serious and can be life-changing. In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed due to inattentive driving activities, which is why laws are enacted to ban certain distracted driving activities.
How Inattentive Driving Causes Car Crashes
Mobile phone use is among the most common activities done while driving. Drivers use their phone to send and receive messages, make and receive phone calls, read emails, surf the Internet, and do business or make personal calls.
It may seem like a smart thing to do because you are saving yourself some time by doing multiple tasks at once. However, using a mobile phone reduces how much the driver can focus on the road. While texting, the driver looks away from the road for a few seconds. This reduces the driver’s ability to detect and respond to road signs and hazards.
Phone Calls Can Lead to Auto Accident Injuries
A phone conversation also leads to driver inattention. Studies show that phone conversations are more dangerous than conversations with a car passenger. The passengers are more aware of the traffic conditions and may point threats to the driver, unlike a caller who is oblivious to the situation.
Car Accident Deaths Caused by Inattentive Drivers
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 5,474 deaths of teen drivers in 2009 that were caused by inattentive driving. States have enacted laws seeking to eliminate accidents due to distracted driving activities, particularly mobile phone use.
Some states prohibit texting and phone calls for all drivers. Some have states enacted laws to outlaw the use of mobile phones for novice drivers. Still other states ban all mobile phone activities including texting, making and receiving phone calls, reading emails, surfing the Internet and sending files for all drivers.
Do You Need a Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been in an auto accident, you should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer with experience in handling these types of cases. The personal injury attorneys of d’Oliveira & Associates, would like to meet with you and discuss the investigation of your automobile accident.
Our law firm has represented and assisted numerous automobile accident victims in bringing lawsuits against other drivers and insurance companies alike, and there are no fees unless we are successful. To have a member of our law office contact you, please fill out a contact form or call us at 1-800-992-6878.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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