Every year, an average of 3000 people in the United States lose their lives in accidents caused by distracted driving. This accounts for around 9% of all fatal auto accidents. In addition to this, 20% of injuries that occur in auto collisions are also the result of distracted driving. If you have been involved in an auto accident due to someone else's distracted driving, a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville can help you to pursue legal action and secure compensation for your injuries and any property damage that you have suffered due to the accident.

Types of Distracted Driving

Most people have heard of distracted driving, but many don't know precisely what the term covers. Most people will first think of using a cell phone or texting while driving; however, distracted driving goes far beyond that. According to the CDC, there are three different types of distracted driving:

  • Visual Distractions - Taking your eyes off the road includes visual distractions such as looking at a billboard, rubbernecking an accident, focusing on the scenery, or spending too much time looking at your Sat Nav or phone.
  • Manual Distractions - This covers distractions that cause you to take your hands off the steering wheel. Some examples include eating, using your phone, changing the radio station, or changing your sat nav settings.
  • Cognitive Distractions - These are distractions that take your mind off of driving, including singing, talking, daydreaming, or worrying about something.

Why is Distracted Driving So Dangerous?

The main reason why distracted driving causes such a significant number of personal injuries is that it severely impairs a driver's ability to concentrate on the road and operate their vehicle safely.

  • Reduced Attention - When a driver is distracted, their attention is diverted away from the road, increasing the likelihood of missing important cues such as traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles. This can lead to accidents due to delayed reactions or failure to notice hazards. These are typical examples of evidence that a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville will use to prove the distracted driver is at fault for an accident.
  • Decreased Reaction Time - Engaging in distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio can slow down a driver's reaction time. Even a split-second delay in reacting to a sudden change in traffic conditions or unexpected obstacles can result in collisions or accidents.
  • Impaired Decision Making - Multitasking while driving, such as eating, grooming, or using electronic devices, can impair a driver's decision-making abilities. This can lead to risky maneuvers, misjudgments, or poor choices while on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. A personal injury lawyer in Knoxville will cite these poor decisions if the injured party decides to file a lawsuit.
  • Loss of Control - Distracted driving can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. For example, reaching for an object, such as a dropped phone, or fiddling with dashboard controls can result in unintended steering or erratic movements, potentially leading to collisions or rollovers. A personal injury lawyer in Knoxville will look for evidence of this loss of control when pursuing compensation for their client.
  • Impact on Vulnerable Road Users - Other drivers may not be the only ones who need a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to distracted drivers. Reduced attention to the road increases the likelihood of failing to notice these road users, leading to accidents with severe injuries or fatalities.

4 Ways to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

  1. Avoid Using Electronics - It is important to put all electronics, including your cell phone, away before you start driving. If you think you may be tempted to pick up a text or answer a call, try turning off the device or using its do not disturb feature. The only reason to need your cell phone in your vehicles should be if you need to contact the emergency services!
  2. Make Any Necessary Adjustments Before Driving - Driving your vehicle is not a great time to multitask. Making any necessary adjustments before you set out on your journey is important. That means setting your seat position, adjusting your mirrors, setting your GPS directions, or adjusting the climate control all need to be done before you pull out of your parking spot!
  3. Be Smart With Snacks - You should avoid eating or drinking while driving wherever possible, but if you absolutely need to snack on the road, opt for something that isn't messy and that can be eaten with one hand, like a granola bar or some beef jerky.
  4. Buckle Up Your Passengers - Don't underestimate how distracting passengers can be, especially if they are unrestrained children or pets! Ensure kids are correctly buckled into their car or booster seats, and secure your pets with a suitable carrier or harness.

Distracted driving poses a significant threat to road safety, increasing the risk of personal injury for drivers, passengers, and other road users alike. A personal injury lawyer in Knoxville will demonstrate how distracted driving contributed to all of the risk factors mentioned while they build a case to secure compensation for their client.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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