Research continues to show how dangerous distracted driving can be. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month, and insurance companies, among other groups, are promoting awareness of the true dangers of texting or engaging in other distracted behavior while driving. Since many Tennessee drivers and passengers are injured by distracted drivers each year, it is very important that everyone understand how dangerous cell phone use behind the wheel can be.
According to experts, even a two-second glance away from the road can contribute to an accident. During a two-second distraction, while reading a text message for example, a driver traveling at 70 mph can drive half the length of a football field. This means that an automobile accident could occur before the driver realizes that there is danger ahead.
Research using driving simulators that include eye-tracking equipment supports the conclusions that drivers who experience a two-second distraction have slower reaction time to road hazards, such as a vehicle pulling out or stopping ahead. Furthermore, drivers who were tested using this equipment rated their driving ability as high, suggesting that they were unaware that their performance had been impaired by the distraction.
Victims injured in a distracted driving accident may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver. However, without the help of a car accident attorney who has experience in handling distracted driving claims, it may be difficult for victims to recover compensation. An attorney may be able to help the victim collect the necessary evidence to show negligence and claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses related to the accident.