One of the main causes of fatal crashes on California roads is distracted driving. No matter the driver’s age, distractions compromise driving safety and responsible behavior. Texting is just one of several things that could cause death to others. While many people believe that mobile phones are really the only distraction to be avoided, that’s simply not the case.
Focusing on avoiding distractions
Drivers should have their hands on the wheel, their eyes engaged and their mind alert:
- Manual: When hands are off the wheel, control is impaired, and the attention is diverted to what the hands need to do instead.
- Visual: Even just a few seconds of looking away from the road can cause a fatal accident.
- Cognitive: A driver whose mind is distracted from driving is significantly more likely to be involved in an accident.
No matter how short the trip, even if it is just a few blocks away, several factors will significantly affect the driver’s ability to avoid an accident.
Distance perception
Drivers’ perception of vehicle movement from the moment they spot a hazard until their brains recognize it.
Reaction distance
The ability of the driver to determine how far the car will go after a hazard is recognized and the brakes applied.
Among the most common distractions are eating, grooming, drinking, caring for children and pets in the rear seat, and interacting with passengers. When it comes to distractions, texting is the most hazardous as it involves manual, visual and cognitive distractions simultaneously.
A California car accident victim whose accident was caused by a distracted driver may be entitled to monetary damages. A lawsuit involving a personal injury is never straightforward due to the complexity of proving negligence and documenting financial losses. While the records of cellphones may show activity at the time of the accident, proving pets or children distracted the driver might be more challenging. However, if successful, documented financial and other damages are recoverable.
