Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. To avoid becoming another statistic, it's important to understand why distracted driving is so dangerous. In this blog post, we'll cover the top 5 reasons why distracted driving is extremely dangerous.
1. It Takes Your Eyes Off the Road
When you take your eyes off the road, even for a second to just check your phone or to look at a billboard, you increase your risk of getting into a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
2. It Impairs Your Ability to React
When you're distracted, you're not able to react as quickly to changes in traffic or road conditions. This can lead to a delayed response time and increase the likelihood of a car accident. So, during the time you have your eyes off the road, the car in front of you may stop and you won't be able to react in time.
3. It Causes Cognitive Distractions
Distracted driving isn't just about taking your eyes off the road. It can also include cognitive distractions, such as daydreaming or being lost in thought. This especially happens when you're driving a routine route, like to and from work each day. When you're not focused on the task at hand, you're more likely to make mistakes and put yourself and others in danger.
4. It Increases Your Risk of Injury
When you're distracted, you're more likely to get into a car accident. And when you do get into an accident, you're more likely to sustain serious injuries. This is because distracted drivers often don't have enough time to react or take evasive action to avoid a collision.
5. It Can Be Deadly
Distracted driving can be deadly. You might look away for just a moment and hit another vehicle causing you or the people in the other car to die. Whether you're checking your phone or eating a sandwich, any distraction that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the road can be deadly.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving, it's important to seek legal representation. Kamper & Estrada, PLLC can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
