Driving is a complicated activity which deserves a driver’s full attention. Unfortunately, too many drivers are distracted by something else while the vehicle is in motion. Cell phones are the most obvious culprit, with too many drivers reading or even tapping out a text message as they fly down the road. But other sources of distraction are just as severe. If you were injured by a distracted driver, then The Stano Law Firm can help. Our Houston car accident lawyers identify some underappreciated sources of driver distraction and encourage you to call us if you have questions.
Pets
Few people properly restrain their pets while taking them to the vet or another trip. As a result, the animal is loose in the vehicle and can easily surprise a driver in the front seat. This is a real problem with larger pets, like dogs, which are heavy and could knock your hands off the wheel when lunging into the front seat.
We have heard many pet owners express anger at the idea of using a cage or other restraint on their pet. Sadly, they increase the chances the animal surprises them and causes an accident.
Food
Many people are pressed for time, so they think nothing of eating a hamburger or a bag of chips while driving. But eating causes various distractions:
Visual distraction. Ketchup can squirt out of the side of a hamburger or soup can spill on your clothes. Many people will automatically look down, which means they are not focused on the road.
Manual distraction. Drivers use at least one hand (maybe two) to eat, which means they cannot effectively take defensive action should the need arise.
Cognitive distraction. When someone spills hot coffee all over their lap, they will probably not think of anything else.
We recommend simply pulling over to the side of the road for a few minutes to consume all your food.
Passengers
Even real-time, face to face communication can be a distraction. There is a little appreciated reason: divided attention. A driver needs more than their eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel. They also need their minds fully engaged with the task of driving.
Any conversation can serve as a source of cognitive distraction. In this way, a driver might see a person stepping into the crosswalk in front of them. However, because they are focused on their conversation, they don’t really process what they see. They fail to brake in time and plow into the defenseless pedestrian.
Cognitive distraction is one reason why hands-free cell phones do not eliminate distraction. True, a driver won’t be fumbling with the phone or squinting down to read tiny type. Nonetheless, they could become engrossed in the conversation and completely fail to monitor what is happening around them.
Car Accidents
Cars on the side of the road are a magnet for motorists, who can’t help but crane their neck around to see what happened. This is called “rubbernecking.” Unfortunately, by failing to remain focused on the road, drivers are at risk of creating their own accident.
Billboards and Advertisements
Did a new store open in the neighborhood, or is a business advertising a sale? Driving into work is when most people look to see what is new in town.
The Check Engine Light
Cars today have all sorts of warning lights designed to tell motorists something is wrong with the car. The check engine light is the most obvious. Some drivers even feel a sense of panic when the light comes on. By focusing on what is wrong with the car, they fail to appreciate the other vehicles around them.
Daydreaming
Sometimes a driver isn’t distracted by an outside event—instead, they are simply absorbed in daydreaming. The result is the same, however: the possibility of a serious accident which can end up injuring someone.
Were You Hurt in a Distracted Driving Accident?
The Stano Law Firm is the firm to call for legal assistance. We have brought all types of car accident cases, for men and women who have suffered a range of injuries. An important step is fully documenting the distraction, or possibly getting the defendant to admit they were not fully paying attention. Our firm knows how to dig to find useful information, including cell phone records which might prove the defendant failed to use due care.
Call us today at 832-777-0390. We will not charge a fee until we win your case; it’s that easy.