Texting while driving distracts you from what’s happening on the road, making you four times more likely to get into a car accident. Talking on your phone while driving is just as dangerous; it can take your focus off the road for up to five seconds, which is long enough to drive the length of a football field. Distracted driving isn’t just dangerous for the driver; it’s also dangerous for anyone else on the road.
So what counts as distracted driving? Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be considered a distraction. This includes activities like talking to passengers, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, and of course, using your cell phone. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and make a conscious effort to avoid it.
If you must use your cell phone while driving, pull over to a safe location first. And if you’re ever feeling tired or distracted while behind the wheel, make sure to take a break and rest before getting back on the road.
In this article, we will discuss ten dangers of distracted driving:
1. Distracted Driving Can Lead to Car Accidents
When drivers are distracted, they are not paying attention to the road and can easily lose control of their vehicle. This can lead to serious accidents and even death. In 2012, 3,328 people were killed in car accidents involving a distracted driver, and 421,000 people were injured.
2. Distracted Driving is More Dangerous than Drunk Driving
It is a common misconception that driving while distracted can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. The truth of the matter is it’s not drinking and driving that poses the most risk to drivers; it’s texting or talking on your cell phone behind the wheel.
So, if you’re going to use your phone while driving, make sure to pull over to a safe location first. In case of an accident, you might need an auto accident lawyer to help you if you are injured.
3. Distracted Driving Can Cause Serious Injuries
When distracted drivers are in accidents, they are more likely to suffer serious injuries than drivers who are not distracted. This is because when you’re paying attention to something other than the road, you’re not prepared for sudden changes or hazards.
4. Distracted Driving Can Lead to Unsafe Lane Changes
Distracted drivers often make unsafe lane changes, either by changing lanes without looking or by crossing over the centerline. This can put other drivers at risk and lead to serious accidents. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and stay safe on the road.
5. Distracted Driving Can Cause Rear-End Collisions
When drivers are distracted, they often do not brake in time when they see the car in front of them stopping, which can lead to a rear-end collision. This is because the driver is not paying attention to the road and is not anticipating that the car in front of them will be stopping.
6. Distracted Driving Can Cause T-Bone Collisions
Distracted drivers can also cause T-bone collisions, which occur when a car hits another vehicle perpendicularly. This is because the distracted driver is not paying attention to the other cars around them and does not see the other vehicle coming.
7. Distracted Driving Can Cause Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are the most deadly type of car accident, and distracted driving is one of the leading causes. This is because when drivers are distracted, they often lose control of their vehicle and end up crossing into oncoming traffic.
8. Distracted Driving Can Cause Accidents in School Zones
Distracted drivers are also a danger to schoolchildren. In school zones, drivers are required to slow down and be extra cautious. However, distracted drivers often do not see or hear the warning signs and can easily cause an accident.
9. Distracted Driving Can Cause Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are also at risk when drivers are distracted. This is because the driver may not see the pedestrian crossing the street and will hit them.
10. Distracted Driving Can Cause Property Damage
In addition to causing personal injury, distracted driving can also lead to property damage. This is because distracted drivers often do not see obstacles in the road and end up hitting them.
When drivers are distracted, they often lose focus on how fast they are going. This can lead to dangerous speeding, especially in areas where there is a lot of traffic.
Conclusion
Distracted driving can be extremely dangerous and can lead to car accidents, serious injuries, and even death. Make sure to avoid distractions while driving, and if you need to take a break, pull over to a safe location.