Distraction continues to be a leading cause of car accidents

In the time it takes a driver to look down and read a text message or reach down and change a radio station, a motor vehicle can travel several hundred feet. In a situation in which drivers are unaware of their surroundings for such distances, the chances a collision could take place increase substantially. As distracted driving continues to be one of the most prevalent causes of car accidents, knowing what types of behavior contribute to such negligence could be vital to helping individuals in North Carolina stay safe as they travel.

Virtually any action that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off the task at hand could be classified as a distraction. Those who attempt to talk on a cellphone while driving may still feel that they can see what is going on around them, but they could be concentrating more on the conversation than the road. A lack of concentration can leave a driver less capable of reacting to certain scenarios and thus reduces his or her ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Visual distractions such as reading or writing a text message can also be dangerous. Those who take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds may be incapable of maintaining proper lane control or reacting to a sudden shift in traffic movement. Other examples of actions that could impair a person’s driving capabilities include eating, shaving or attempting to apply makeup while behind the wheel.

Car accidents involving distracted drivers can have disastrous consequences and those who encounter such negligence might not always be able to react in time to avoid collision. Following such an incident, individuals who suffer serious harm due to the actions of another driver could benefit from speaking with an attorney for guidance on their available legal avenues. This type of advice could help place a person in North Carolina in a better position to pursue the full amount of restitution entitled through a personal injury claim.