Distracted driving is a serious concern on roadways throughout Connecticut and can result in serious car accidents and injuries to victims. It is important for everyone to be aware of what distracted driving is, how common it is and how to stop it and what to do if you have been harmed by a distracted driver.
What is distracted driving?
- Manual distraction – any activity engaged in while driving that removes the driver’s hands from the steering wheel;
- Visual distraction – any activity engaged in while driving that removes the driver’s eyes from the roadway; and
- Cognitive distraction – any activity.
An example of a distracted driving behavior that combines all three types of distracted driving is texting while driving which can be particularly dangerous and lead to
car accidents. Distracted driving can also include cell phone use of any kind while driving; adjusting a navigation device or radio while driving; reading while driving; grooming while driving; eating while driving; engaging in conversations with passengers while driving; and other behaviors as well.
How common is distracted driving?
From 2012 to 2017, there were nearly 20,000 fatalities in car accidents that involved a distracted driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were 3,166 victims killed in car accidents involving distracted drivers in 2017 alone. Each fatal distracted driving accident represents the loss of a loved one and countless others are injured in distracted driving accidents every day.
What can victims and loved ones do?
When a
distracted driver has caused a car accident that injures the victim or results in the loss of a loved one, personal injury legal protections can help with victims and their families with their physical, financial and emotional damages. It is valuable to be familiar with these legal remedies and how they can hold a distracted driver accountable for the harm they have caused.
