Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the primary task of operating the motor vehicle. Distracted driving has become one of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Michigan and elsewhere. People’s lives have become so busy that some tasks are specifically scheduled to be done while driving, such as on the way to work.
Women put on makeup, and men use their rechargeable razors. Smartphones are used to catch up with everything happening on social media, texting and making or taking calls. Young children and pets in the car also cause distractions. Dogs indeed bring a lot of joy into our lives, but having them in the car can be dangerously distracting and also risk the lives of the driver and other road users.
Road safety authorities classify distractions in three categories. They are visual, cognitive and manual distractions. Visual distractions are not only caused by looking at a smartphone but also by what goes on outside, such as billboards, fender benders and more. Manual distractions are all the things that need the hands, like changing the radio, typing texts, tending to children, etc. The cognitive category is a bit more challenging to avoid because it involves a driver’s thoughts and ability to focus and pay attention to the road. It is easy for a driver’s mind to drift a thousand miles away without him or her even being aware of the cognitive distraction.
Sadly, distracted driving causes thousands of car accidents each year, many of which cause catastrophic injuries or death. Although damage recovery is possible for victims of crashes caused by distracted drivers, it is never easy to prove that a driver was distracted. This is where the skills of an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney come in. A skilled lawyer can assist with establishing negligence and provide the necessary support and guidance throughout ensuing legal proceedings in pursuit of financial relief.
