Distractions are incredibly common, which is why they are such a big cause of car accidents every year. Drivers can be distracted if they try to eat behind the wheel, for instance, or as they try to program their GPS. Some drivers just get distracted by passengers or pets that they have in the car with them.
But one major issue that has been identified is that drivers are often addicted to their phones. This addiction itself is leading to far more distraction than would be happening otherwise.
The reason is that phone addicts will pick up their phones more often, even when they’re driving. One study put it this way: “Phone addicts picked up their phones on average 49 times for every 100 miles they drove, compared to an average 11 times for the nonaddicted driver.”
Is there any realistic solution?
This problem has been hard to solve. Most states now have bans on texting and driving or using mobile devices that have to be held in one hand. They may allow for hands-free devices or things of this nature, but drivers should never be talking on the phone, texting and driving, taking pictures or videos, checking their email, using social media or anything else.
The issue is that simply banning this activity hasn’t stopped it from happening. Drivers who are addicted to their phones are going to do it anyway, simply hoping that they won’t be caught. That’s part of the reason these accidents still happen, and distraction is often hard to prove after a crash. It’s likely that these accidents will not stop in the foreseeable future, without major changes to technology.
As such, those who have been significantly injured in these accidents, need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other costs. The negligent driver who was distracted may be responsible for these costs.
