We are quickly becoming a nation of multi-taskers. In very few aspects of our lives, are we allowed to focus on completing just one task at a time. Rather, we are always trying to juggle several tasks at once. However, the inherent problem with multi-tasking is that our energy is being divided between at least two different tasks. This means that we cannot pay simultaneous attention to two separate tasks at the same time and thus mistakes are bound to happen. That is why distracted driving is such a problem. If you are unsure as to what distracted driving is, and why it is such a problem, you need to become informed. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions motorists have about distracted driving:
What is distracted driving and why is it a problem?
A driver is considered to be a “distracted driver” when he or she is engaged in a task that takes his or her focus away from driving. Tasks can be visually distracting (eyes off the road), manually distracting (at least one hand not on the steering wheel) and/or cognitively distracting (mind not engaged on driving). Not only are distracted drivers less able to respond appropriately to other drivers and/or obstacles on the road, they also are the cause of accidents.
How is eating or drinking less dangerous than using a cell phone to talk or text?
Distracted driving of any type is dangerous. However, cell phone usage is especially dangerous because of the number of ways it impairs a driver. For example, drinking a cup of coffee physically impairs a driver in that the driver cannot have two hands on the steering wheel, since one hand is holding the cup of coffee. In contrast, when a driver uses a cell phone to text, the driver is impaired in all three areas of distraction. He or she is not only holding the phone with his or her hand, he or she is also using their eyes to look at the screen and thinking about the message to send or the words he or she is saying.
Hands-free devices make talking on a cell phone while driving safer, right?
In some states where cell phone usage is prohibited while driving, using a hands-free device is allowed. While hands-free devices do keep a driver’s hands on the wheel, the biggest problem is that the driver’s brain is still not 100% focused on the task of driving. When a driver is using a cell phone his or her mind is focused on the conversation he or she is having and therefore, the driver is not able to devote his or her full attention to the road.
How large of a problem is distracted driving?
According to the government website distraction.gov, it is estimated that more than 660,000 drivers are using a hand-held cell phone at any given time during daylight hours. Moreover, according to data collected by The National Safety Council, approximately 1 in 4 accidents involve a driver that was using a cell phone to talk or text.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries after being involved in an accident with a distracted driver, the experienced Kansas City Accident Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help. Our team of seasoned Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys will make sure that your rights are protected. We will fight hard to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Trust the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. to help you, just as they have helped countless injured victims around the area, both in Kansas and Missouri. To find out how the attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help you, call our office today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule a consultation. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. we look forward to providing injury victims with exceptional legal services.