How Distracted Drivers Cause Serious Car Accidents In Florida
Technology is all around us – even in our cars. Touchscreens are commonplace. And they just add to the other distractions drivers face on the road.
But these distractions can be deadly. In 2019 alone, more than 3,400 people died in vehicular accidents attributed to distracted drivers. These highly preventable car accidents also resulted in hundreds of thousands of injuries. And many of these injuries were devastating.
The Law Office of Arye Corbett will be here for you if you or a loved one suffered harm due to the negligent actions of a distracted driver. If you would like a free consultation to learn more, please use our online form or call (561) 948-3700.
Were You Injured by a Distracted Driver?
If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by distracted driving, you may be able to file a lawsuit to cover not only your medical expenses, but other damages as well. These are just a few examples of the different types of compensation you might be able to pursue:
Lost wages
Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
Pain and suffering
Property damage
And many others
There is even a chance that you may be able to obtain punitive damages. While these are rarely awarded in Florida, they are meant to punish those whose deliberate wrongdoing causes harm to others. Get in touch with The Law Office of Arye Corbett to learn more about the different kinds of damages to which you may be entitled.
What is Distracted Driving?
As the name implies, distracted driving is operating a vehicle while something takes away the driver’s attention. It could be looking at something outside, talking to someone else in the car, or simply changing the radio station.
No one can truly drive safely unless their complete focus is on the job of driving and nothing else. Anything that takes away from that focus can increase the risk of a collision.
Three Main Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accidents typically fall into one of three categories: manual, visual or cognitive distraction. Here’s a quick look at each.
Manual Distraction – This involves motorists taking their hands off of the wheel for any reason. Common examples include drinking or eating, texting, and digging through a bag.
Visual Distraction – Visual distractions occur when drivers move their eyes off of the road. It could be due to looking at a phone, reading a map, looking at someone else in the vehicle, or searching for a dropped item.
Cognitive Distraction – Whenever something takes a motorist’s mind off of driving, that’s known as a cognitive distraction. Drivers may be thinking about their job or a loved one. They may be daydreaming, talking to a passenger, or trying to determine the best response to a text message.
Top Causes of Distracted Driving Car Accidents
There are a lot of reasons why a distracted driving accident may take place. These are just a few of the more common ones.
Day2dreaming
It’s easy for people to get lost in their thoughts or emotions while behind the wheel. Someone may have ended a relationship or might be worried about their job. Others may be focused on what they’re going to do that night. Still others might just simply be bored. Whatever the reason someone daydreams, it can be extremely dangerous on the road.
Using a Cell Phone
As cell phones have become commonplace, so has the practice of people using them while driving. They will often talk or text. And they might even check emails or social media feeds. Some people will use hands-free devices, but even these can be distracting.
Rubbernecking
It’s human nature to look out the window when a traffic accident occurs. But drivers who do this risk being involved in an accident themselves. When people take their eyes off the road for just a few seconds, that greatly increases the risk of being in a collision.
Being Distracted by Other Occupants
Whether they have two legs or four, other passengers in a vehicle can easily cause a distraction that can result in a car accident. According to one survey of Florida motorists, 77% said they drive with pets in a car. And 60% said they either never use a pet restraint or only use one every once in a while.
Merely talking to another passenger can also take a driver’s attention off of the road. Having children as passengers can even be more distracting. According to one study, the typical parent takes their eyes off of the road for more than 3 minutes during the average 16-minute trip.
Reaching for Something in the Vehicle
Trying to grab a water bottle, a purse, or some other item can also increase the risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident. Research indicates that a driver is nearly 10 times more likely to cause an accident when reaching for something.
Eating or Drinking
According to a survey of 1,000 motorists, a whopping 70% said they either ate or drank something while operating a vehicle. The mere act of eating or drinking is risky enough. When you add the possibility of some sort of spill or other mishap taking place, the risks get even higher.
Messing With the Controls or Touch Screen in the Vehicle
There are so many gadgets in cars these days, it’s easy for drivers to spend so much time fiddling with a touchscreen they lose focus on the road. Even simple acts such as changing the radio station or adjusting the heater or air conditioner can result in a serious accident.
Florida Distracted Driving Laws
According to section 316.305 of the Florida Statutes, it’s against the law to text while driving. This means drivers cannot operate a motor vehicle while using their fingers to enter any type of character into a smartphone.
The penalties for breaking this law include the following:
First offense – This is considered a non-moving traffic violation. The base fine is $30, and the driver will not be assessed any points against their license.
Second offense – A second offense within five years falls under the category of a moving violation. Penalties include a base $60 fine and three points assessed against the driver’s license.
Distracted Driving Can Cause Serious and Fatal Injuries
Driving a car while distracted might seem like a minor mistake. However, the consequences of this behavior are often anything but minor. These are just some of the types of injuries that can result from distracted driving:
Traumatic brain injuries
Back and neck injuries
Concussions
Spinal cord injuries
Whiplash injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Severe burns
Amputation
Paralysis
Wrongful death of a loved one
We Can All Make a Difference in Ending Distracted Driving
Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, a teenager or a parent, or an educator or employer, you can have a major impact on helping to stop the practice of distracted driving. These are just a few ways you can help.
If you’re a teenager – Talk to your peers about texting while driving. Share messages on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media sites to raise awareness of distracted driving.
If you’re a parent – Leading by example is the best way to get the message across. Talk to your children about the possible consequences of distracted driving.
If you’re a teacher or an employer – Talk to your students or employees about how dangerous it can be to take your eyes off the road – even for a few seconds.
Even if you don’t fall into one of these categories, you can still make your voice heard. Spread the word on social media. Or talk to those you love about how they should always keep their focus on driving – not texting, looking out the window, or participating in any other type of destructive behavior while behind the wheel.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for Your Car Accident Injuries
At The Law Office of Arye Corbett, we’re ready to help if you or a loved one is injured or killed due to the behavior of a distracted motorist. If you would like to learn more, please contact us online or call (561) 948-3700 for a free review of your case.