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What is distracted driving?

On Behalf of | Sep 9, 2015 | Car Accidents

Many Virginia drivers understand that they face many dangers while on the road. There are natural dangers like inclement weather or inhospitable terrain, but, there are also man-made dangers like drunk and distracted driving. In today’s technology driven world, people often hear about one of these dangers: distracted driving. In fact, Virginia residents are told that a distracted driver can easily cause a car accident. But, people may not actually understand what this all means. In other words — what is distracted driving?

According to federal safety agencies, distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention from the roadway. This means that distracted driving is nothing new. Just the act of talking to a passenger, eating or drinking, or even grooming can make a person a distracted driver.

However, distracted driving has become a huge concern as technology has taken on a greater role in our lives. Texting and driving, talking on the phone, or using a GPS system can all take a driver’s eyes of the road, putting others at risk of harm. And far too many drivers are operating their vehicles in this manner. In fact, some estimates claim that up to 660,000 drivers across the U.S. are using an electronic device at any moment during daylight driving hours.

Texting and driving is particularly dangerous because it not only distracts a person’s mind, but it literally takes a person’s eyes and hands away from the roadway. At high speeds, if a driver looks away from the road for even a few seconds they can travel long distances, potentially in a way that can cause a devastating wreck.

When a distracted driver causes a car accident, victims should know that they have legal rights. Distracted drivers may be held responsible for the financial costs of the accident, even those that are long-lasting, including medical expenses and lost wages. An attorney, and not this blog post, should be consulted for specific legal advice about distracted drivers.