What Are the 5 Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents?

What Are the 5 Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents?

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic deaths in the United States. In 2014, 3,179 people died and 431,000 sustained injuries in accidents that involved distracted drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are three categories of driver distractions: manual, cognitive and visual. The deadliest distractions fall into all three groups. For example, texting impairs your manual, cognitive and visual abilities simultaneously. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to ignore basic safety etiquette – and other  drivers and pedestrians suffer the consequences. If you were hurt or lost a family member due to a distracted, drunk or negligent motorist in Nevada, contact Ed Bernstein & Associates. Our law firm has been representing the injured for more than 40 years. Call 702-240-0000 today to schedule a free consultation with an auto accident attorney in Las Vegas. Let’s take a look at the five most common causes of distracted driving wrecks:

1. Using a Smartphone Behind the Wheel

Approximately 660,000 drivers are manipulating electronic devices or using cell phones behind the wheel at any given daylight hours. Pursuant to NRS 484B.165, it is illegal for any driver to text, access the Internet or use a hand-held cell phone behind the wheel in Nevada. Unfortunately, the fine for a first offense is only $50, so many drivers choose to violate this law.

2. Talking with Passengers

Passengers can be distracting for drivers of all ages and experience levels; however, teens are particularly susceptible to passenger-related distractions. According to TeenDriverSource.org, a teenager’s risk of crashing increases by more than 300 percent when there are two or more peer passengers in the vehicle. Male teen drivers are nearly six times more likely to make an illegal maneuver when a peer passenger is in the car.

3. Reading

Whether you are checking a map or reading a book to pass the time in congested traffic, taking your eyes off the road can be deadly. According to the American Automobile Association, a visual distraction that lasts just two seconds will double your risk of crashing.

4. Drinking or Eating

If you drive to work in the early morning hours, then you may be tempted to eat your breakfast on the go. However, eating will distract you visually, cognitively and physically, which makes it just as dangerous as texting. One U.K. study found that 62 percent of drivers had eaten behind the wheel within the past year. If you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds while driving 55 mph, you will have travelled at least 50 yards.

5. Grooming

Grooming is another distraction that can impair your visual, physical and cognitive abilities simultaneously. Putting on makeup or combing your hair might seem trivial, but grooming at the wrong time can be fatal.  If you were injured by a distracted driver in Nevada, contact a Las Vegas injury lawyer from Ed Bernstein & Associates. Call 702-240-0000 to schedule a free consultation.