Result of Distracted Drivers And Technology

When you think of distracted driving, your mind usually immediately goes to young teenage drivers who are texting with friends in the car with loud music blaring. If so, you may be shocked by a recent safety report from the AAA Foundation that revealed newly added technology in cars are mainly distracting elderly drivers. In fact, the report states that drivers older than 55 are 8 seconds slower than younger drivers when using in car technology. Distracted drivers create a significant increased risk of accidents. Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds could double your risk of getting in an accident.

Why Are Elderly Drivers More Likely To Cause An Accident?

Changing song on radio

Elderly drivers are becoming a public concern as in-car technology becomes more prevalent in cars today. In fact, AAA says by 2030, over a fifth of drivers in the U.S. will be older than 65. This makes distracted elderly drivers even more dangerous because of the abundancy of them on the road. The main distraction in newly made cars is known as In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system. This system provides different visuals and technological and voice features in the car to assist drivers. For example, you can ask the car to provide directions to your next location without needing to look down at your phone’s GPS.

Why Is Distracted Driving Dangerous?

Doing hair/makeup in car mirror

Of course, we all know we should not text and drive but there are an abundance of other distractions that drivers continue to do each day that can be just as dangerous. In 2015 alone, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported over 2 million car accident injuries that involved a distracted driver.

Some of the most common ways a driver can be distracted includes:

  • Adjusting the temperature
  • Drinking/Eating
  • Texting/Phone Calls
  • Wearing headphones
  • Doing hair/makeup in car mirror
  • Adjusting the GPS
  • Changing song on radio
  • Reaching for wallet

Contact An Experienced Providence, RI Car Accident Lawyer Today!

Providence Car Accident Lawyer meeting victim of distracted driversIf you have been injured in a car accident and it is not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages (if any), and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our experienced Providence Car Accident Lawyers charge no fee until you receive a settlement or award. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation of your case.

Sources:

  1. cbsnews.com/news/distracted-driving-study-aaa-older-drivers-distracted-longer-in-car-technology-infotainment-2019-07-25/
  2. cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html
Author Photo

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.

Rate this Post

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...