Distracted Driving in the Big Apple

How Cell Phones and Other Distractions Can Lead to Serious Accidents in NYC

Distracted drivers pose a significant hazard to others on the road. Taking your attention off the road and away from the task at hand can quickly and easily lead to a serious crash. In this article, we will detail some common distractions, why distracted driving is so dangerous, and what you can do to stay safe.

Sustaining injuries caused by a distracted driver can be extremely frustrating. But we want you to know that we are here to help. Our team of top NYC personal injury lawyers will work hard to hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligent accidents and advocate on your behalf to secure maximum compensation. Call (718) 233-3913 today to arrange your FREE, no-obligation consultation.

The Prevalence of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is an all too common cause of serious injury and death. Statistics on distracted driving provided by the CDC and NHTSA include the following:

• Annually, approximately 3,200 people have died in distracted driving accidents
• Nine people in the U.S. are killed every day as a result of distracted driving
• 8% of all car accident fatalities are caused by distracted drivers
• 1 in 5 people who died in distracted driving accidents were pedestrians, bicyclists, or those outside a vehicle.
• In the U.S., approximately 325,000 people a year sustain injuries caused by distracted driving

Common Distractions While Driving

Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving is considered a distraction. There are three types of distractions;

Visual - Taking your eyes off the road

Manual - Taking your hands off the steering wheel

Cognitive - Taking your mind and focus off driving

Top Causes of Distracted Driving

• Talking on the phone
• Texting
• Talking with another passenger
• Tending to children and animals
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting audio or other controls
• Reaching for an object
• Outside distractions
• Smoking/vaping

Why Distracted Driving Is So Dangerous

Distracted drivers don’t have their eyes on the road.

When a driver isn’t looking at the road, they aren’t able to see what hazards lie ahead. A driver can cut into the path of the distracted motorist from another lane or road, out of a parking lot, from a side street, or into an intersection.

Distracted motorists do not have both hands on the wheel.

Texting, eating, or doing anything else that takes one or both hands off the wheel doesn’t allow a driver to react in to any hazards or other drivers on the road. They can’t steer properly or use turn signals to alert other drivers of a lane change or turn.

Distracted drivers aren’t focused on driving.

Distracted motorists are not focused on where their car is headed, nor are they anticipating any hazards or are able to react to any emergencies or changes in conditions.

Distracted drivers can violate traffic laws.

When drivers don’t have their eyes or hands on the road or are simply not paying attention, they can exceed the posted speed limit, run through red lights and stop signs, follow too closely behind another vehicle, and make unsafe lane changes.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

Although you can’t control what other drivers do, here are 5 tips to avoid distracted driving.

1. Recognize the risk - If you are aware of the dangers, you are less likely to allow yourself to become distracted.
2. Turn off your phone - When your phone isn’t on, you won’t be tempted to call, text, or answer a call while driving.
3. Keep your hands on the wheel - Don’t eat or drink, reach for items in the car, or use a navigation or audio system while driving.
4. Prepare ahead of time - Before you start driving, make sure you adjust your audio, air conditioning, and navigation system. Finish eating and drinking, and make sure you have everything you need within reach.
5. Watch out for distracted motorists - Look for drivers who maintain inconsistent speeds, are drifting in their lane, have their heads down or to the side, or are on their cell phones. When you see a distracted driver, stay at a safe distance.

Speak with a Top Personal Injury Lawyer in NYC

Although it is tempting to send a quick text, eat a little snack, or simply find a new song on the radio, drivers must stay focused on driving. They need to keep in mind they are operating a vehicle - a vehicle that can cause severe injury and even death.

Injured by a distracted driver? Our team of NYC car accident lawyers can help. At Ajlouny Injury Law, we work tirelessly on behalf of our clients. If you sustained injuries caused by distracted driving, you might be entitled to compensation. To discuss the details of your accident and see if you have a valid accident injury claim, contact Ajlouny Law Firm. Our NYC personal injury attorneys offer free legal advice to all injured victims. Contact us online or call (718) 233-3913 today to arrange your FREE consultation.