A research team at Rowan University’s William G. Rohrer College of Business recently conducted a study observing driving behaviors on high-speed New Jersey roadways.
They found that motorists are most distracted by handheld cell phones on highways, with nearly 20% of drivers using their phones while driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2020.
Given the dangerous nature of distracted driving, the results of this study are deeply troubling.
In this article, we’ll discuss the types of distracted driving that can be caused by cell phone use, as well as how a Northern New Jersey car accident attorney can help you if you’re ever injured because of the reckless behavior of distracted drivers.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, we hope you’ll stay focused while driving, but we understand that other drivers on the road aren’t as careful.
Types of Distracted Driving
There are three types of distracted driving, all of which can lead to negligence on the roadways, and using a mobile device can fit into all of them:
-
Visual distractions:
This occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Cell Phone use while driving can cause visual distractions when a driver is reading a text message or using a navigation system like Waze or Google Maps.
-
Manual distraction:
This occurs when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel. Using a cell phone for texting for making phone calls causes the driver to hold the phone and manipulate its controls, taking their hands off the steering wheel.
-
Cognitive distractions:
This occurs when a driver’s mind is not fully focused on the primary task of driving. Using a phone while driving can cause cognitive distractions because the driver’s attention is divided between the conversation or task on the phone and the act of driving.
When a driver uses a cell phone while driving, all three types of distraction can come into play.
For example, if a driver is reading or sending a text message, they must take their eyes off the road (visual distraction), use their hands to manipulate the phone (manual distraction), and divert their attention from the act of driving (cognitive distraction).
Even simply talking on the phone while driving can cause distractions, as the driver’s focus is on the conversation rather than their full attention on the road.
This can lead to slower reaction times, missed traffic signals or signs, and other unsafe driving behaviors that increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and a distracted driver was at fault, you may have a case for negligence against that driver.
A car accident lawyer serving Northern New Jersey can help you navigate the laws surrounding distracted driving crashes and negligence on the road.
Our car accident attorneys have the experience and dedication to make sure you get the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation with Buttafuoco & Associates.
