Distracted Driving Accidents And Consequences

Distracted driving is one of the major causes of car accident injuries, deaths, and property damages in the United States.

According to the NHTSA, it is defined as an activity that would draw the attention of a driver away from his or her primary task of driving. 

Speak with a NJ car accident attorney today to get help proving the other driver was distracted and the cause of the accident.

What Constitutes a Distracted Driving Situation

It makes no difference whether you are talking to your family or friends over the phone or having your morning breakfast on your way to work while driving.

Any kind of distraction can result in an accident no matter how experienced a driver you are.

In essence, the following activities while driving are all classified as distracted driving.

• Using a cell phone to make or take calls
• Texting on the cell phone or other handheld devices
• Operating a handheld device, including GPS or music players
• Eating or drinking 
• Using navigation systems or other technologies that need your input 
• Adjusting climate controls or radio
• Reading or writing
• Engaging in a conversation with the passengers
• Grooming

Since almost all of the above activities require your visual attention, they can easily take your eyes and attention off the road and result in a mishap. 

Who are the Distracted Drivers

While teenagers or young drivers make up the most of distracted driving accident statistics, even experienced drivers have been involved in one.

Studies also suggest that people of all ages have engaged in this dangerous behavior at some point.

In essence, distracted drivers come of all ages, gender, or backgrounds.

And they have caused many accidents, from minor fender benders to multiple vehicle crashes. 

What Evidence Suggests Distracted Driving

The following circumstances can be submitted as evidence of distracted driving:

•  Driver admitting his or her fault
•  Testimony from witnesses 
•  Records from a cell phone, email, or texting device
•  Surveillance video recorded from traffic cameras, police dashboards, or witness cell phones
•  The presence or absence of skid marks 
•  Evidence of damage to vehicles involved in the accident and much more. 

Currently, individuals involved in car accidents in Jersey City can seek support to gather evidence substantiating that the other driver’s distraction was the main factor contributing to the incident.

Handheld Device Ban To Prevent Distracted Driving

Most states do not entertain the use of handheld devices during driving. Specific punishment for distracted driving varies from state to state and place to place.

In several states, traffic laws require that the police issue a citation when evidence suggests the driver has been using handheld devices, whether or not they have committed traffic offenses.

Other states have even gone to the length of banning handheld devices inside vehicles for all drivers.

While this law has effectively prevented distracted driving fatalities, it hasn’t deterred some drivers from using cell phones and tablets while driving on highways and around schools and residential areas.

For this reason, safety advocates and lawmakers have been calling for stricter laws where punishment for such an offense ranges from a higher fine to a lengthy jail term.

See also: How Does Distracted Driving Cause Car Accidents? 

Negligence on the Part of the Distracted Driver

If you are a driver whose legal duty is to drive responsibly but have engaged in activities that have caused the diversion of your attention from the road, you have committed an act of negligence punishable under the law.

Negligent drivers can be held liable for any financial costs arising from injuries, property damages, and other losses incurred by the accident victims.

The victims, on the other hand, are eligible to claim compensation for the losses from the distracted driver as long as they can prove the driver’s negligent behavior leading up to the accident. 

See also: Newark Car Accident Lawyer