Some otherwise responsible drivers may engage in some form of distracted driving. They may believe that a distracted driving crash can’t happen to them. Or that multitasking is perfectly safe to do. They may:
- Use handheld devices while stopped at a red light
- Make phone calls while driving
- Drink coffee or eat
However, when drivers take their eyes off the road for even a split second, their judgment, reaction time, and stopping time are affected. And it only takes a split second to cause a serious auto accident.
Multitasking unsafe behind the wheel
According to researchers from the University of Utah, the more confident drivers are in their ability to multitask, the less likely they are able to do it successfully.
The study examined 310 undergraduate psychology students in the areas of:
- Actual multitasking ability
- Perceived ability to multitask
- Ability to use a handheld device behind the wheel
- Ability to use other electronic media behind the wheel
- Impulsivity and sensation-seeking
About 70 percent of participants believed their ability to multitask was above average. However, their actual ability to do so didn’t reflect their perception. Participants who thought they could multitask safely actually demonstrated little multitasking ability. (Ironically, participants who demonstrated multitasking ability were more likely to focus on one task at a time.)
This is a real and deadly problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2016, distracted driving resulted in 3,450 traffic fatalities. In 2015, it caused 391,000 injuries. It is estimated that roughly 481,000 drivers use cellphones while driving during daylight hours.
What to do after a distracted driving crash
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash due to distracted driving, you need an experienced Chicago auto accident attorney on your side. Your claim may be more complex than you think. Proving that the other driver was distracted may be a difficult task and will require scrupulous investigative work.
Building a strong claim from the start is absolutely crucial. Your injuries could be serious enough to leave you out of work, unable to make ends meet and pay for your costly medical bills. Let the attorneys at Coplan + Crane put their experience and legal knowledge to work for you. No matter how complex your accident may be, we can handle it. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
