According to a report by New York Times, the number of car accident deaths increased between 2015 and 2016. 17,775 people died in car accidents during the first half of 2016. This was a 10.4% increase in the number of car accidents that occurred since 2015.
One of the major reasons for the rise in car accidents is the rise of mobile technology. Drivers continue to use their mobile phones despite being aware of the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone. According to reports by New York Times, motorists use their mobile phones despite being aware of the dangers this habit poses. 26% of all accidents that happen are caused by the use of cell phones while driving.
With that being said, mobile phones have been around for a very long time so the rise in car accidents cannot solely be blamed on their use alone. One major contributor of car accidents is the use of infotainment systems in cars.
New car models have an infotainment system as a standard feature. Drivers can tell the system to make phone calls, change the radio station, give the car directions, etc. Since most car models come with these infotainment systems installed, they use them while driving despite the fact that some systems come with warnings not to use them while driving.
While the logic behind the use of infotainment systems is to reduce distracted driving, this isn’t the case. You might not need to touch or look at the system but you still need to devote brain power to operate it. Your concentration on the road will be briefly interrupted while you talk to the system and as you know, we miss out on what’s going on around us when we talk. This should be enough proof that using infotainment systems contribute to the increase in car accidents in America.
Distracted Driving Laws
In order to reduce the rate at which people suffer from heart attacks and stroke, the state has put in place laws that prohibit smoking in public places, allowed Medicaid to cover the treatment of tobacco addiction and implemented excise taxes.
The state has also put in place laws that ensure car safety. It has particularly enforced laws that mandate the use of motorcycle helmets, child safety seats, seatbelts, blood alcohol concentration limits and graduated driver licensing programs.
The state has zeroed in on three types of distracted driving:
1. Cognitive distraction
Cognitive distractions cause your mind to wander away from your driving. This includes day dreaming, road rage, having a conversation with another passenger, road rage, driving under the influence, etc.
2. Visual distraction
This type of distraction causes your eyes to wander off the road. This can be because you are trying to pick up something from the floor, you’re trying to adjust temperature controls or trying to change the radio station, etc.
3. Manual driving distraction
It’s usually caused by activities such as adjusting your child’s seatbelt, smoking, eating and drinking, etc.
Texting While Driving
Some examples of distracted driving fall under more than one category of distracted driving. These are especially more dangerous simply because they fall under different categories. Texting while driving causes:
- Cognitive distraction since you need to concentrate on typing your conversation rather than focusing on what’s happening on the road.
- Manual distraction because you have to take one or both hands off the wheel in order to text
- Visual distraction since you have to take your eyes off the road
How to Drive Distraction Free
While there are several distractions that take your attention away from the road, you can still avoid them by:
1. Staying off your phone
This might be obvious but it’s easier said than done. Putting away your phone and not using it while driving might be hard especially if you receive several phone calls in a day. The good thing is that there are several apps you can install on your phone that will keep your from distracted driving.
2. Set up what you need before you start driving
Ensure your seat belt is secure, your child’s seat belt is secure, you have set up your GPS, your radio station is the right channel, etc. You don’t need to multitask while driving.
3. Get your passenger to help you
No matter how prepared you might be, you’ll always find you need to do a few adjustments while driving. If you have a passenger, you can ask them to help you out.
4. Pull Over
If you need to urgently reply to a text or receive a phone call, the right thing to do would be to pull over. This ensures that your mind is in the right place.
5. Make sure you’re well rested
This is especially important if you’re going for a long trip. Don’t forget to factor in meal times. Don’t eat or drink while driving.
What To Do When You Get in a Car Accident in Fall River, MA
It’s worth noting that if you get into a car accident in Fall River, you might need to hire a car accident lawyer to help protect your rights.
On March 23rd 2018, a Model X SUV slammed into a highway concrete divider and burst into flames, killing the driver. The car was using Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving system and the company admitted in a report that the auto pilot feature was controlling the car.
While this might seem like an easy process, it usually involves expert witnesses, lawyers and police reports. Obtaining all the necessary information to make a solid case is not only overwhelming but it slows down your recovery process. In addition, you might end up leaving out crucial information that might help your case.
An experienced car accident lawyer will take care of all the details necessary to make your case a success. Our lawyers at Kevin P Landry Office will make sure that you receive all the benefits that you are entitled to. We understand the difficulty of dealing with severe injuries. Contact any of our Fall River, MA, car accident lawyers at 508-676-0001 and book your free initial consultation.
