4 unexpected causes of motor vehicle collisions
Pennsylvania drivers must use caution whether they are traveling along city streets, county roads or busy highways. These surfaces can be crowded with inattentive drivers, distracted drivers or drivers who are impaired due to drugs, alcohol or strong prescription medication. Even though it might be easy to identify a driver who is texting, reading or swerving due to impairment, there are numerous other factors that can make a driver unsafe to be around.
- Listening to an audio system: Individuals who listen to their favorite music or podcast run the risk of becoming a distracted driver. Whether the music is too loud to hear environmental cues or the conversation on the radio is too engrossing, drivers might lose track of what they should be paying attention to.
- Dining and driving: Unfortunately, this is one of the most common driving distractions and the danger is consistently downplayed. The act of eating or drinking while driving a motor vehicle can be nearly as destructive as texting. A driver will likely take his hands off the steering wheel, eyes off the road and attention from his surroundings to take even a small sip of coffee.
- Drowsy driving: Whether they are drivers on the way to an early class or drivers coming home after a long shift at work, it is not uncommon for people to get behind the wheel in a drowsy or fatigued state. These drivers are unaware of their surroundings, inattentive to the other drivers on the road and might even fall asleep while behind the wheel.
- Vehicle occupants: It is not uncommon for drivers to have passengers in the vehicle. Whether it is an adult passenger in the front, young children riding in the back or pets bounding from seat to seat, these occupants can represent significant distractions for the driver. Drivers might look to see what trouble their pet is getting into or reach into the back seat to hand snacks to the children – these activities pull focus and attention from the road.
Whether they involve a car, truck, motorcycle or commercial vehicle, collisions can result in devastating property damage and catastrophic injuries. Drivers and other vehicle occupants can suffer broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, paralysis or amputation. It is important to discuss your case with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney who can provide the guidance you need.