“Distracted driving” is a term that is gaining more prominence in the discussions at local, state and national levels that attempt to improve safety on the roadways. Some people may view this term dismissively, thinking that there is no harm in glancing at your smartphone real quick while driving in order to read or reply to a text message, review navigation options or even to quickly glance at an article on the internet. However, the reality is that distracted driving is extremely dangerous.
As a recent news article noted, while the rate of drunk driving in America seems to be on the decline, the rate of distracted driving is actually climbing. The problem is especially concerning with young drivers, who combine a lack of experience behind the wheel with the ever-alluring distraction of the smartphone right next to them.
But, the fact is that distracting driving encompasses more than just being distracted by a smartphone, as the recent article detailed. Distractions can also include conversations with others in the car, changing the radio station, looking in your mirror or even eating while driving. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving can potentially lead to a devastating motor vehicle accident.
Like drunk driving, the solution to distracted driving is pretty clear: just don’t do it. However, it seems that is easier said than done for millions of Americans. Anyone in New York who has been injured in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver may need to get more information about potential legal options.