Distracted Driver Accident Lawyers in Waldorf

Driving is not an overly-complicated task, but it still requires a driver's undivided attention to be done safely. Unfortunately, many drivers become easily distracted while on the road and cause traffic accidents. Distracted driving has become a nationwide safety concern. Although the use of cell phones while driving has attracted the most attention, there are many other distractions that are just as likely to cause an injury accident.

Common Distractions

A distraction is anything that takes a person's attention off of driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) divides distractions into three main categories: 1) Visual, which involves taking one's eyes of the road; 2) Manual, which involves taking one's hands off the steering wheel; and 3) Cognitive, which involves taking one's mind off the task of driving. Common distractions that result in one or any combination of these three types include:

• Talking on a cell phone;
• Texting;
• Grooming;
• Eating;
• Drinking;
• Reading;
• Talking to passengers;
• Dealing with children and/or pets; and
• Watching a video.

Distracted Driving Statistics

Even five seconds of distraction can cause a car crash resulting in serious injury. Many drivers continue to allow themselves to become distracted because they don't believe a short period of time like five seconds can do any harm, but the sad reality is that it can. The NHTSA website Distraction.gov demonstrates the reality of driving while distracted across the U.S. through the following 2009 statistics:

20 percent of injury traffic crashes involved distracted driving;

448,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes;

5,474 people were killed in distracted driving accidents;

995 people were killed in distracted driving crashes that involved cell phone use; and

People younger than 20-years-old had the largest number of distracted drivers.

Distraction is a Choice

There are many circumstances under which a traffic accident cannot be prevented, even by the most experienced and cautious of drivers. Distracted driving is not one of those occasions. When a person allows him- or herself to become distracted, they are making a choice, just like when a person chooses to get behind the wheel after they've had a few drinks. Eating and drinking, grooming, turning around and talking to passengers, and texting while driving all have the potential to cause serious injury to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists.

Holding Distracted Drivers Liable

Many drivers make the choice to be distracted while driving. To be held accountable for their actions, the injured victims of distracted drivers must make the choice to file a personal injury claim, as is their right. If you or loved one has been injured in a Maryland car crash caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses. At Alpert Schreyer, our car crash lawyers consider distracted driving accidents to be preventable and are committed to helping their clients obtain maximum compensation for their injuries. Contact us today at (301) 932-9997 or (800) 489-1577 for a free consultation.