As many Pennsylvania readers know, distracted driving continues to be one of the most dangerous threats to drivers in the state and across the country. While people know that it is an issue, and despite the statistics that seem to indicate a startling number of drivers operate a vehicle while distracted, most deny that they are part of the overall problem. Distracted driving of all kinds is dangerous and leads to a significantly higher risk of motor vehicle accidents.
As smartphones have increased in popularity, so has the tendency for drivers to attempt to multitask behind the wheel. From checking email to texting, phones are the most common source of distractions for drivers. A recent study tracked driver behavior to determine how common distracted driving actually is, looking at behaviors that include texting, talking on the phone, eating and more.
This study looked at 2,151 cars that passed by in a 20-minute window during rush hour. Researchers found that of those drivers, 185 of them were doing something that took their focus on the task at hand. If these findings are indicative of a larger problem, many drivers are doing things while driving that endanger themselves and everyone else on the road.
If a Pennsylvania driver or passenger is hurt by the reckless or negligent actions of another driver, he or she may seek legal recourse. A personal injury claim cannot undo the damage that has been done, but it can help obtain needed medical care and more. Victims of motor vehicle accidents can learn more about this option by seeking a case evaluation as soon as possible after an accident.
Source: digitaltrends.com, “How common is distracted driving? This agency filmed traffic to find out“, Lulu Chang, March 27, 2016