Many drivers in Illinois and elsewhere may feel it necessary to take every possible measure to stay safe on their journeys. Unfortunately, a collision can happen at any moment and with prevalent threats such as distracted driving, being prepared to respond to a potential threat to one’s safety might not always be possible. Understanding some of the actions that might disrupt one’s attention while driving could prove integral to remaining focused on the task at hand and avoiding a potential dangerous or fatal car accident.
Reports indicate that distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of serious accidents and some information that could help increase awareness of the dangers of distraction could include:
- Categories of distraction: Experts classify driver distractions under three categories, which include manual, visual and cognitive distractions and that any action that falls under one or more of these categories could prove hazardous.
- Presence of distractions: Studies also indicate that the number of things that cause distraction is constantly on the rise and that such issues only increase the risks of serious collisions.
- Dividing attention: Studies also provide information on how a divide of attention affects driving capabilities and on how the human brain is simply incapable of multitasking while driving.
- Dangerous actions: Actions such as reading or writing a text message could fall under all three categories of distraction and as such, those who carry out such actions may be at a higher risk of creating a hazardous situation.
While those who choose to remain focused on the task at hand while driving may be better prepared to safely operate a vehicle, they cannot always expect others to approach the topic of safety with the same level of interest.
A car accident involving a distracted driver runs the unfortunate risk of leaving those involved with serious or even permanent injuries, or of leaving family members mourning over an unexpected loss. Those who suffer harm or loss due to such negligence could choose to seek insight on their available options for legal recourse by consulting with an attorney. Such guidance could help a person better understand his or her available options and the next steps to take to seek the restitution deserved through a claim against the party deemed responsible.
