Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents, and they occur for many different reasons. Phone calls, text messages, loud music, and many more can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. Distracted driving is a serious safety issue and creates trouble for millions of commuters worldwide.
Our car accident attorneys in San Diego want to help you to understand that there are several ways that distracted driving can cause car accidents. Here are the five ways that distracted driving can cause accidents:
#1 – Cell Phone Use While Driving
Texting and talking while driving causes many car accidents in the U.S., and we all know why. Simply turning your attention away from the road to use your phone is enough to cause an accident. Furthermore, now that smartphones are everywhere in modern society, they inevitably impact traffic safety standards.
Most states are already cracking down on distracted driving involving cell phones. In California, it’s illegal to use an electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can, however, use it in a hands-free manner via voice commands and speakerphone modes.
#2 – Looking Away From the Road
Imagine driving through a more rural area of town, and you can’t help but gaze out at the beautiful scenery around you. However, even though you were only briefly distracted, you suddenly crashed and totaled your car. These types of situations occur a lot more frequently than you think.
In reality, many things could distract you from watching the road. This includes unruly pedestrians, loud nearby noises, or sporting events/concerts going on in the area. You also have to be mindful of sleep deprivation, which causes plenty of accidents. If you were involved in a car accident, you also need to be conscious of mistakes to avoid after a car accident.
#3 – Eating and Drinking While Driving
We all have hectic schedules and often hasten from one place to another. Our busy lives make it difficult for us to set aside time to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Grabbing a bite to eat on the road is convenient and saves you time. However, you should avoid it altogether for safety purposes.
When driving and eating simultaneously, you’ll be trying to balance your food on your lap while handling items. This will sometimes cause you to look away from the road, which is enough time to cause an accident, even if it’s very brief. The best thing you can do is save your meals and eat them when you arrive at your destination.
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#4 – Conversations With Passengers
Passengers can be very distracting, especially when transporting a rowdy group of friends. However, even simple, everyday conversations can distract your attention away from the road. Let’s also not forget that arguments can cause distractions, especially when children throw temper tantrums. If you were a passenger in a car accident, it’s important that you know your car accident passenger rights.
#5 – Adjusting the Controls
Most modern cars now have extra controls and settings that allow you to optimize your driving experience. However, adjusting all the different features can prevent you from keeping your eyes on the road. Most people very much enjoy listening to music or podcasts while driving. However, maneuvering the controls can be very distracting and affect your ability to drive safely. Keep in mind if you were involved in a car accident, there are several steps you should take after your car accident to ensure that you and those around you are safe.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in San Diego
Here at HHJ Trial Attorneys, we assist many clients in pursuing accident claims. We ensure that you recover the damages caused by a distracted driver. Schedule a free consultation with us today where we can answer all your questions and explain how our services work.
Testimonial from Christian, Injured Car Accident Victim in San Diego
My wife was recently involved in a terrible car accident. The other person rear ended her and never even tried to stop. We were referred to Attorney Elliott Jung and HHJ Trial Attorneys. He immediately took care of everything and helped us to deal with the insurance company and the medical bills from the ER and ambulance. We’ve never had to deal with a situation like this before, so it was great to have Elliott text or call us whenever we needed help. His staff was amazing and always kept us in the loop about her situation. I was just worried for my wife and wanted to make sure she was going to be ok. It’s great to have an attorney you can trust, and I felt like Elliott always told us straight. In the end he really tried to understand what my wife went through after the car accident and my wife felt like she was being heard. I can confidently say that my family and I will always look to HHJ Trial Attorneys if we ever have to go through a situation like this again. Thank you thank you for helping my wife get the settlement for the crash. It will help us get through her injuries and everything else!
