Washington motorists understand that distracted driving has become commonplace during the daily commute. Motorists are texting while driving, operating gadgets, and applying makeup without regard to how quickly a motor vehicle accident can occur. Many drivers will deny any responsibility for an accident even if they acknowledge they were distracted when it happened.
Heavy fines and penalties have not eliminated distracted driving motor vehicle accidents. Rubbernecking is distracted driving, and motorists do it continually. Motor vehicle accidents maim and kill drivers and pedestrians and are as prevalent as stopping for coffee when you’re already late for work.
Common distracted driving practices
Distracted driving practices result in millions of lost lives and millions of dollars in property damage. Nine out of ten drivers freely admit to using their smartphones at the time of a motor vehicle accident.
Many motorists with no professional training feel confident enough to multitask while driving. Rushing is also a prevalent factor related to distracted driving. Rushing is often a significant element of rear-end collisions.
Voice response technology is socially acceptable in motor vehicles. Drivers think that if they’re operating a gadget or function hands-free and the feature is built-in or an add-on, it must be safe to operate while driving. Hands-free operating requires a focus that detracts from focusing on the roadways. Convenience and confidence contribute to the prevalence of distracted driving.
The prevalence of smartphones usage in distracted driving accidents
Zendrive and AAA report the high number of motor vehicle accidents occurring while smartphones are in use. Distracted driving doesn’t depend on mobile devices and gadgets only. Talking to passengers in the car, checking on children in the rearview mirror, or adjusting the radio are examples of non-technology distracted driving incidents.
The safest thing to do is pull over safely, stop your vehicle, and remedy the distraction while at a standstill. Many people get urgent calls while driving, and the best way to help the caller is to arrive there safely.
Families and loved ones depend on you to arrive home safely. A focused driver can anticipate and avoid motor vehicle accidents. Obeying the rules of the road and extending courtesy to other drivers is one way to reduce injuries and deaths from distracted driving accidents.