According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 8% of all fatal auto accidents are the result of distracted driving. In addition, more than 300,000 people are injured every year across the United States thanks to distracted drivers. But why do distracted drivers get involved in so many accidents, and what can be done to avoid these types of accidents?

What is Distracted Driving?

Put simply, distracted driving is a broad term for any behavior that causes a driver to take their attention away from driving, or which causes them to take their hands off the steering wheel. While this is often seen as synonymous with texting and driving, any kind of distraction can potentially cause problems. Distracted drivers are at a substantially higher risk of getting into an accident, compared to other drivers.

What Does Distracted Driving Look Like?

Any number of activities can potentially cause issues for distracted drivers, as well as the people around them. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Eating or drinking
  • Putting on makeup
  • Brushing their hair or teeth
  • Using their cellphone
  • Checking social media or text messages
  • Reading a book or magazine
  • Changing the radio station
  • Programming a GPS
  • Dealing with children or disruptive passengers

Why Do Distracted Drivers Get Involved in Accidents?

Distracted drivers are at a much higher risk of getting into accidents because, quite simply, they are not paying attention to what is happening on the road. They may not see things like the vehicle in front of them slowing down or stopping, or may not notice a pedestrian crossing through the intersection ahead. Even when they do notice things, they tend to have a much slower reaction time, increasing the chances of a potentially fatal accident.

What Can You Do?

If you encounter distracted drivers on the road, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to drive responsibly and stay clear of anyone who appears to be driving erratically. If you get involved in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention, even if you have not been obviously injured. You should also speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases like yours.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.