What are Common Causes of Distracted Driving?

January 10, 2022 | Car Accidents

Driving while distracted behind the wheel is incredibly dangerous. Anytime a person is not focused on the task of operating a motor vehicle while a vehicle is in motion, this significantly increases the chance that an accident will occur. Here, we want to look at the most common causes of distracted driving in Texas. There are many ways a driver can become distracted behind the wheel, and by highlighting these distractions, our car accident attorneys in Austin hope that you are able to take the steps necessary to remain safe on the roadways.

What are Some Causes of Distracted Driving in Texas?

When we examine information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can see that there are various causes of distracted driving. Overall, the CDC says that the three main types of distraction that individuals could fall victim to include the following:

• Visual – This includes any action that takes a person’s eyes off the road.
• Manual – This includes any distractions that take a person’s hands off the wheel.
• Cognitive – This includes anything that takes a person’s mind off of driving.

Overall, there are many types of driving behaviors that can lead to these three overall types of distracted driving. Some of the main causes of distracted driving in the state of Texas include the following:

• Sending or receiving text messages
• Using a cell phone to browse the Internet
• Taking photographs or videos while driving
• Live streaming while driving
• Talking to other passengers in the car
• Grooming in the vehicle (applying makeup, combing hair, etc.)
• Reading while driving
• Using a navigation system
• Adjusting the radio or music system
• Playing with pets in the car
• Reaching for items in the vehicle
• Eating foods or drinking beverages

It only takes one second of a person taking their eyes off of the roadway, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off of driving for an accident to occur. Unfortunately, many individuals get behind the wheel of a vehicle with the “it won’t happen to me” type of mindset.

What Can I Do If Someone Else’s Distracted Driving Caused Injuries to Me?

If you or somebody you love has been injured in an accident and you suspect the incident was caused by a distracted driver, you need to work with an attorney as soon as possible. Proving distracted driving can be challenging. When a skilled car accident lawyer in Texas gets involved with your case, they will use their resources to conduct a full and independent investigation into the incident. There are various types of evidence that can be used to prove distracted driving. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Statements from eyewitnesses to the incident
• Statements from other drivers and passengers
• The police report
• Video surveillance of the incident
• Mobile device records

An attorney will work to uncover this evidence to present to insurance carriers or a personal injury jury if necessary. Additionally, a lawyer will handle all negotiations with other parties involved in order to help their client secure maximum compensation for their losses.

Individuals injured as a result of the actions of a distracted driver should be able to recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, pain and suffering damages, and more.