Why Distracted Driving Is a Leading Cause of Pennsylvania Crashes
By Ben Gobel on October 17, 2024
Today’s drivers are more distracted than ever. When a driver gets distracted behind the wheel, it can easily lead to a car accident. Perhaps the worst thing about distracted driving crashes is that they are entirely preventable types of car accidents.
Every driver on the road owes one another a duty to drive responsibly, and that includes focusing on the task of driving. If you were recently in a motor vehicle accident caused by driver distraction, the car accident lawyers at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. can help. We advocate for the rights of victims of distracted driving accidents.
In this informative blog post, we discuss auto accidents caused by distracted driving, highlight how to avoid them, and provide tips on what to do if you’re in this type of accident.
Understanding the Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that takes a person’s attention away from the road. When driver distraction occurs, it’s difficult to watch out for sudden changes in the road ahead, such as slowed traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists. Distracted driving is categorized in the ways that things can distract drivers.
Visual Distractions
Any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road is a visual distraction. Some drivers may use their cell phones to send text messages or look at the GPS. However, cell phone use isn’t the only thing that can distract someone while driving. Looking at the stereo to change the song or even staring at objects on the side of the road can lead to driver distraction.
Manual Distractions
Anything that causes a driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel is a manual distraction. Using cell phones, eating, drinking, applying makeup, shaving, reaching for an object, and smoking are all activities that cause manual distractions.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving their vehicle. It’s easy for car accidents to happen when a driver isn’t paying attention. They may be busy discussing something with their passengers, or they could be drunk or drowsy, which can slow reaction times.
Pennsylvania Statistics on Distracted Driving Crashes
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) published statistics for 2022, revealing that distracted driving remains an issue. In this report, it stated that 11,484 car crashes were caused by distracted drivers. Of those distracted driving accidents, 62 were fatal. The total number of reported car accidents by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for this time frame was 115,938.
It’s obvious that distracted drivers remain a serious problem behind the wheel. Even though Pennsylvania state police vigilantly watch out for public safety and issue citations to distracted drivers, these types of motor vehicle crashes still occur.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving in Pennsylvania
Various distractions can pull a driver’s focus from the road. When drivers become engrossed in talking to their passengers, accidents can occur. A driver who is intoxicated or exhausted may not realize they are speeding, causing an accident that changes their family and their life forever.
Even with hands-free devices, drivers can become distracted with the topic of conversation. If you were involved in this type of crash and you or your family have suffered injuries, speak with an attorney who can ensure justice is served.
Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident with a Distracted Driver in Pennsylvania
Since distracted driving remains such a large problem in Pennsylvania, you should do what you can to protect yourself from these types of accidents. You may glance over while driving and see someone busy texting on their phone or attempting to devour fast food takeout. When another driver appears distracted, you should put distance between your vehicles to stay out of danger.
Keeping alert can also help you avoid other types of crashes. Make sure that you’re paying attention and not doing anything that could be considered a cognitive, visual, or manual distraction. You should also take care to obey all other traffic laws, avoid speeding, and drive with the utmost care.
What to Do After Distracted Driving Accidents in Pennsylvania
To curb distracted driving, Pennsylvania issued a texting-while-driving ban that forbids any driver from using an interactive wireless communication device to send, read, or write texts while their vehicle is in motion. Also known as an IWCD, these items are classified as any type of wireless phone or personal digital assistant, laptop, or tablet that allows for messaging through text-based communication or browsing the internet.
If you are in an accident in Pennsylvania and believe that texting or another distracting behavior is to blame, it’s important to protect your rights. The law allows you to seek fair compensation for your injuries in accidents caused by another person.
The first step to take when you are involved in any kind of accident is to call the police. They will send emergency medical services out to attend to your injuries.
After an accident, get immediate medical treatment, even if you don’t think you are injured. You may have hidden injuries that could worsen into a life-threatening condition. You can recover the cost of your medical bills with the compensation you obtain from the driver who caused your injuries.
Finally, get a free consultation with distracted driving accident attorneys who can help you recover the compensation you deserve. You can seek compensation for all of your damages, including court costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and other fees.
Accidents can change our lives. When they’re caused by talking or sending texts on phones or other distracting behaviors, then an attorney can help. Contact Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights as a victim of one of these types of crashes.