Distracted driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle while engaging in activities that divert the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving Examples of distracted driving include, but are not limited to, talking or texting on a cellphone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, directing navigation devices, and even talking to passengers in the vehicle.
As cellphones become more and more prevalent, talking and text messaging on a device have become the biggest distractions for drivers. According to the National Safety Council, cellphone use is estimated to be responsible for 1.6 million crashes each year, including nearly 400,000 injuries. Using a cellphone while driving is one of the main causes of distractions because it requires a driver to take his or her hand off the steering wheel and eyes off the road.
Distracted driving is a serious issue that can have devastating effects. Here are five of the most serious consequences of distracted driving:
1. Injury or Death: The most serious consequence of distracted driving is the potential for injury or death. Distracted drivers are more likely to run red lights, miss stop signs, or drift into adjacent lanes. This can lead to collisions that could potentially harm or kill not only the distracted driver, but other drivers and pedestrians as well.
2. Property Damage: Property damage can range from minor to extensive, but it is often an inevitable consequence of a distracted driving accident. If a car is totaled due to a distracted driving accident, the driver may be responsible for a costly repair bill.
3. Lost Wages: An injury from a distracted driving accident can lead to lost wages if the person injured cannot go back to work for an extended period of time. Lost wages can lead to financial hardship for victims, as well as their families.
4. License Suspension: Depending on the severity of the accident, a driver may face a license suspension after a distracted driving accident. A license suspension can be a major inconvenience for a driver, and it could have serious economic repercussions.
5. Increase in Insurance Premiums: After an accident, insurance companies often raise the rate of insurance premiums. This can be a major financial burden on a driver and his or her family if the insurance premiums become too expensive.
Distracted driving is a serious issue with potentially devastating consequences. Drivers should always stay focused on the task of driving and avoid engaging in activities that divert their attention away from the primary task.