Distracted driving happens all too easily. As a result of distracted driving, people can suffer from catastrophes and fatal injuries. Statistically, more than three thousand people are involved in a fatal car accident a day, with a fraction of them likely caused by distracted driving.
If distracted driving is so deadly, then why do people allow themselves to get distracted on the road? Many people realize distracted driving is unsafe. Yet, more often than not, people misunderstand the cause of distractions. To ensure you’re safe from distractions while driving, you may need to debunk the following common myths:
Myth: Distracted driving is only caused by texting
Truth: While distracted driving may be predominantly caused by texting and driving, it isn’t the sole cause. In some cases, people have been involved in a car accident because they were eating – their focus on their food led to an accident. Another way people end up distracted is because they want to change the radio or heating or cooling, which leads them to look away from the road and take their hands off the wheel.
Myth: Only young drivers cause distracted driving
Truth: While young drivers may make up a lot of distracted driving accidents, they likely aren’t the only ones causing them. Distracted driving can occur no matter what age you are.
Myth: Texting only takes a second
Truth: Texting may seem like it only takes a second, but the reality is that many people can spend much longer on a text. For starters, people often have to read the text that came to them, which may take a second or two in itself. Then the time to think of a response and type it out can take several more seconds. In all, there may be enough time looking away from the road to cause an accident.
While you may be a safe driver, others might not be. In an accident, you may need to understand your legal options to seek compensation for your injuries.