woman driving looking at phone

Distracted Driving vs. Driving Under the Influence: Which Is Causing More Harm?

If a distracted motorist causes an accident, an experienced lawyer can examine the motorist's actions, the driver's injuries, the client's medical expenses, the damaged vehicles, and the statements of the motorists. Numerous statistics have indicated that distracted drivers cause more than 1,000 automotive collisions every day. According to several reports, at least 15 percent of drivers have operated vehicles while they were under the influence of alcohol. The experts suggested that impaired drivers are involved in at least 680 accidents each day.

Examining the Effects of Distractions

When a distracted driver operates a vehicle, the distractions may increase the risk of automotive collisions by 28 percent. The motorist's vehicle could gradually drift into other lanes, or the driver might not notice nearby automobiles. Generally, the distracted motorist may not be able to navigate winding roads, sizable intersections, wet streets, and roads that contain heavy traffic.

Studying Numerous Distractions That Can Affect a Motorist's Attentiveness

According to various surveys, many drivers could be distracted by mobile devices and stereos, and food can distract at least 10 percent of motorists every day. When studying common distractions, some researchers have also examined unnecessary road signs, construction zones, pedestrians, and inclement weather. Additionally, many motorists have been distracted by damaged vehicles. Generally, more than 80 percent of drivers may gently apply the brakes if the motorists see damaged vehicles. Yet, when the motorists gaze at other automobiles, the distractions could augment the likelihood of collisions by approximately 15 percent.

Although a GPS can help a driver, the device could cause serious distractions that might augment the risk of collisions. Several reports have suggested that the devices frequently distract at least 8 percent of motorists. Instead of examining the roads, these distracted motorists may view maps, evaluate several destinations, and alter their routes.

If a driver is fatigued, the tiredness could exacerbate the effects of distractions, decrease attentiveness, reduce memory, and affect critical thinking. Typically, chronic fatigue can increase the likelihood of automotive collisions by around 10 percent, and one report suggested that some fatigued drivers frequently forget important directions.

Optimizing Safety

To minimize the effects of distractions, motorists should turn off their mobile devices while they are driving. According to several reports, avoiding cellphone usage behind the wheel can decrease the risk of collisions by at least 18 percent. If an individual is experiencing chronic fatigue, the motorist should ask a friend to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the driver can evaluate the weather forecasts, examine the safest routes, choose all-weather tires, and install sensors that could prevent drifting.

Reviewing Various Types of Statistics

Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that distracted motorists cause at least 18 percent of automotive collisions in the United States. Throughout the last ten years, the number of distracted drivers increased. When experts evaluated collisions that involved teenagers, the specialists suggested that approximately 31 percent of the young motorists were distracted.

Preventing Collisions That Could Be Caused by Impaired Motorists

If a motorist has been consuming alcohol, the beverages can significantly reduce the individual's reaction time, decrease focus, affect memory, and influence various decisions. Unfortunately, more than 15 percent of drivers occasionally operate vehicles after they have consumed alcohol.

Determining the Cause of an Accident

When an automotive collision causes serious injuries, experienced attorneys can view images that show the scene of the accident. The lawyers may examine the debris, the angle of each vehicle, the damaged exteriors of the automobiles, and the road's configuration. Sometimes, experts can also review reports that describe the statements of witnesses, and consequently, the lawyers may evaluate each vehicle's movements before the collision.

Examining the Roads and the Weather Conditions

Once a motorist has been involved in an accident, experienced attorneys can inspect road signs, traffic signals, the nearby lanes, and the local traffic. The specialists could also examine the weather forecasts, and inclement weather can cause serious distractions, impair a driver's vision, reduce each tire's grip, and affect a motorist's overall judgment.

Contacting Experienced Lawyers Who Can Help Injured Drivers

Once an injured driver contacts knowledgeable attorneys, the lawyers could evaluate medical reports that can estimate the costs of medical care in the future. If a motorist has sustained injuries, the medical reports may describe necessary surgeries, physical therapy, the costs of emergency services, and medical devices that could improve mobility.

Our team at Scot Kraeuter Personal Injury Law can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today (912) 209-6513 to learn more about recovering over a free consultation.

Categories