Drivers need to pay attention to avoid causing car accidents
Safe driving requires the full attention of the driver, but distracted driving is the cause of many car accidents in Lexington, Columbia, and throughout South Carolina. Victims are left with serious and sometimes fatal injuries. But despite laws against many types of distracted driving, it is still a big problem on roads and highways throughout the nation.
That’s why April has been designated “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to highlight the issue and encourage drivers to be more responsible.
The dangers of distracted driving
How bad is the problem? According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance:
- Across the country, more than 8 people are killed and 1,095 injured by distracted driving every day.
- There is an average of two crashes per hour involving distracted drivers in South Carolina.
- There were 18,936 accidents involving distracted driving in South Carolina in 2019.
- Nationally, texting while driving is 6 times as dangerous as driving drunk.
- If you are distracted while driving, you are 90% more likely to be in an accident.
- In the time it takes to read one text message while driving at 55 mph, your vehicle will travel the length of a football field.
- At least 3,142 people were killed by distracted driving across the country in 2019.
The different types of distraction
A distracted driver is a motorist who is not paying attention and is unable to react in time to changing road conditions. EndDD.org notes there are three main types of driving distractions:
- Manual – These are activities that take a driver’s hands off of the wheel. Examples of manual distractions include adjusting dashboard controls or an infotainment system, eating or drinking, using a cell phone, smoking, or reaching for items in the car (e.g., something on the floor or in the back seat).
- Visual – Visual distractions are activities that take the driver’s eyes off of the road. Examples of visual distractions include reading a text message, looking for items in the car, browsing satellite radio stations, and watching construction or other activity occurring on the side of the road (also referred to as "rubbernecking").
- Cognitive – These are activities that take a driver’s mind away from the task of driving. Examples of cognitive distractions include talking to passengers, feeling angry or frustrated, thinking about work or school, and daydreaming.
Activities can fall into more than one category, making them even more dangerous. For example, texting is a manual, visual and cognitive distraction.
Talk to a Lexington, SC car accident lawyer today
An accident with a distracted driver can change someone’s life in seconds. Suddenly, they are injured and are being treated at a hospital. Medical expenses can add up quickly. Many victims wonder how they will be able to pay their bills, especially if their injuries leave them unable to work.
They shouldn’t have to pay. But distracted drivers often deny doing anything wrong and may even try to shift blame. Insurance companies are always trying to find ways to pay victims as little money as possible. They may offer a settlement – one that doesn’t even come close to covering all of the damages suffered.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a distracted driver in South Carolina, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. At Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law, we are ready to help. You can expert personal attention, hard work to build the strongest case possible, and a commitment to helping you get the best possible outcome.
We proudly serve Lexington and surrounding areas. To find out how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Lexington car accident attorney
