There have always been car accidents and truck accidents caused by drivers being distracted. But with the advent of the smartphone, distracted driving accidents have become an epidemic in the United States and on the roads and highways around Washington DC. Distracted driving is the largest category of driver error accidents in the United States. Every year, distracted drivers cause tens of thousands of accidents, injuring hundreds of thousands of people. There are many reasons why someone would become distracted when driving. Here are the more common examples of distracted driving.
Using a Smartphone
Using a smartphone while driving is the leading cause of distracted driving accidents. People who are texting and not paying attention to the road are a huge danger to themselves and everyone else on the road. All it takes is a moment, a split second to look at your phone, and you might lose control of your vehicle. Not only is texting a problem, but also even talking on the phone can be distracting to some drivers. If someone is not actively paying attention to what is in front of them but is paying attention to the conversation they are having, they could easily not be able to stop in time if an emergency happens in front of them. This is especially a problem with younger drivers, who tend to use smartphones more than older drivers.
Fiddling with the Radio
Adjusting your music or listening choices on the radio has always been a distraction problem. But with increased technology, there are now more ways to play around with your radio or smartphone and not pay attention to the road ahead of you. It used to be that all we had in our vehicles were radios, cassette players, and CD players. But now, we can hook our phones up to our vehicle’s stereo system and play whatever is on our phones. Again, this is just more options that drivers have to be distracted. There is no song or program that is more important than your safety and health and the safety of everyone else on the road.
Using GPS
Most people would think that using modern GPS devices to find our way around would cut down on distracted driving. It is easier to use than pulling out a paper map while driving. But using GPS devices is still a distraction, especially when you are inputting addresses into the device and reading it, all while driving. The safest way to use GPS devices, as well as using your smartphone for texting, is to pull over in a safe place and use the devices. Once you are done, you can begin driving again.
Applying Makeup
One of the things that people do while driving is to apply makeup while using the rearview mirror. This is one of those behaviors that everyone who does it knows could be dangerous, but they do it anyway. It is another way for people to not pay attention to driving.
Zoning Out
One of the ways that people become distracted is by zoning out while driving. This happens more often when people are driving long distances on highways. Have you ever driven a long distance and afterward could not remember you driving on certain sections? This is what happens when you zone out. Usually, the zoned-out driver is looking forward, but their mind is off somewhere else and they are not paying attention to the road. This also could cause accidents.
Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help People Who are Injured by Distracted Drivers
Many people in the Washington DC area have been seriously injured by distracted drivers. If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, you are entitled to be compensated for injuries and pain and suffering. The Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help you receive the fair and full amount of compensation. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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