Car wrecks occur for countless reasons, such as drunk driving, speeding and bad weather. However, distracted driving contributes to many serious collisions. In the digital era, some people have difficulty putting their phone down, which can become deadly behind the wheel.
Aside from phones and other electronic devices, there are many other types of distractions that can increase the chances of a car wreck. It is crucial for drivers to take a look at these statistics and understand the prevalence of this problem.
Different ways drivers become distracted
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published information on distracted driving, which played a role in wrecks that claimed the lives of more than 3,100 people over the course of 2020. Using a phone to send or read messages, eating food, reading a map, using a GPS and adjusting the stereo can cause a driver to lose focus on the road.
Distracted driving can also occur when a driver diverts his or her attention to talk to someone else in the vehicle or look at something alongside the road.
The aftermath of a distracted driving wreck
When a driver fails to pay attention to the road, they could veer into oncoming traffic or slam into a car in front of them. Following a crash, victims could struggle with debilitating injuries that severely impact their quality of life. Aside from painful injuries, some distracted driving accident victims cannot work and face financial problems due to medical costs, which is why those who cause a wreck must answer for their actions.