Identifying Distraction
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a good time to reflect on the behaviors you engage in while behind the wheel. There is an average of 700 motor vehicle accidents caused every day by distracted drivers and, while many result in simple property damage, more than 400,000 people sustain serious injury and thousands more are killed in these accidents yearly. If you or someone you love has been a victim, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Three Types of Distraction
There are three types of distraction that can lead to an accident:
- Cognitive Distraction. Inattention, daydreaming, future-planning, or doing anything else that takes your attention from the road is a form of cognitive distraction. Studies have found cognitive distraction to be just as dangerous as drunk driving
- Visual Distraction. Looking at billboards, turning to talk to a passenger, searching for a dropped item, and anything else that takes your eyes off of the road is a form of visual distraction
- Manual Distraction. Eating and drinking, using a cellphone, operating on-board electronics, and anything else that takes your hands off of the wheel (turn signals, windshield wipers, or other operational functions aside) is a form of manual distraction. Studies have found that coffee is the most dangerously distracting beverage to have in your car
All forms of distraction are cognitive. Some, like cellphone use, combine visual and manual with cognitive as well, making them an obvious risk. Others, like hands-free electronics, which have been touted as “safe” to use while driving, require significant amounts of cognition, making them a risk as well. The bottom line is, anything unrelated to driving that is performed by the driver of a vehicle is a form of distraction. All forms of distraction endanger everyone on the road. This month, take a moment to reflect on your behaviors and commit to making changes that can help keep you, those you love, and everyone you share the road with safe.
Do You Need Help?
If you have been injured by a distracted driver in Miami or elsewhere in Florida, please call Hickey Law Firm at 305-371-8000 to schedule a free consultation today. NOBODY FIGHTS HARDER. NOBODY FIGHTS SMARTER. NOBODY. HICKEY LAW FIRM.
Attorney John H. (Jack) Hickey and his team handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to cruise ship accidents, admiralty and maritime accident cases, medical malpractice, wrongful death, premises liability, railroad accidents and car accidents. We represent victims from all over the nation, the world and the state of Florida.