Distracted driving occurs whenever you take your eyes and focus off the road while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 287,000 car accidents were caused by distracted drivers in 2019. Injuries from distracted driving totaled 15 percent of all injury accidents that year. If you take your eyes off the road for five seconds while driving at 55 miles per hour, you cover a distance equal to a football field. A car accident can occur within that small amount of time.
There are many causes of distracted driving accidents, including cellphone use. The University of Utah states that drivers are more than five times more likely to be in an accident while using a cellphone. Some of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents include:
- Talking, texting on a cellphone.
- Adjusting the vehicle’s climate or audio controls.
- Adjusting controls, such as lights or windows.
- People, objects, or events outside of the car.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking.
Some motorists drive recklessly. A motorist can also easily become distracted when they drive down the same route each day, causing their mind to wander. Their daily routine may cause them to become inattentive and distracted.
Laws Against Distracted Driving
In Pennsylvania, texting while driving is banned. While driving, you will likely get a ticket if a police officer sees you using an interactive wireless device, such as a cellphone. You cannot use a laptop or other wireless devices while driving. You cannot email or browse the internet while driving. When driving, your focus should be entirely on the road.
You can use a GPS device while driving, but you should use it safely. If you must put in directions, do so before driving. If you must change directions while driving, pull over to a safe location and then operate your GPS device.
Media Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Can Help You if You Have Been Injured by a Distracted Driver
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, speak with our Media car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello. We can help you present a strong case and file a lawsuit if necessary. Call us at (610) 892-4940 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Media, Pennsylvania, serving clients throughout Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, and West Chester.