Common Driver Distractions That Lead to Injuries

 Posted on November 09, 2023 in Car Accidents

The next time you are driving and you reach for your cell phone, rethink this decision. In 2021, 3,522 lives were taken due to distracted driving, many due to cell phone use. 

Distracted driving accidents are 100% preventable, but drivers must eliminate these risky behaviors to keep America’s roads safe or be held accountable for the harm they cause. 

If you have been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Joliet car accident lawyers are here to help.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving involves anything that takes your attention away from the road. Distracted driving comes in three forms:

• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: Taking your mind off the road
• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road

Common examples of distracted driving include:

• Texting
• Talking on a cell phone
• Adjusting the radio station
• Eating and drinking
• Applying make-up
• Having a conversation with passengers
• Using a GPS device

Texting and driving may be the most threatening type of driving distraction since it comprises all three forms. When you are texting, your hands are off the steering wheel, you are not thinking about the road ahead, and your eyes are focused on your cell phone. 

Why is Distracted Driving so Dangerous?

When you take your eyes off the road, even momentarily, you are missing what is happening ahead. It is estimated that texting and driving takes your eyes away from traffic for at least five seconds. If you are driving at highway speeds, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

Driving is a task that involves your full attention. Even if your eyes remain on the road if you are distracted in any way, you are not giving your full focus to driving, and you are bound to make poor decisions.  

Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving

Besides the vehicle damage caused by a car accident, distracted driving also leads to thousands of severe and fatal injuries annually. 

Common injuries include:

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is caused by a sudden impact to the spine. Common symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include loss of movement or feeling, loss of bladder control, and tingling or numbness in the fingers, feet, or toes.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A TBI can be caused by any sudden force or impact to the head, disrupting brain function. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even mood changes.

Broken Pelvis

A broken pelvis is a common car accident injury, most commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents. Depending on the type of fracture, a broken pelvis can be life-threatening, contributing to internal bleeding and organ damage. 

Symptoms can include a sharp pain in the pelvis and abdomen, numbness or tingling in the groin or legs, and trouble urinating.

Even if you are not showing symptoms, it is always important to seek medical attention following a car crash. Next, seek help from a Will County car accident lawyer and discuss your legal options. 

Were You Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact a Joliet, IL Car Accident Lawyer Today

With the prevalent issue of texting and driving, the chances of getting injured by a distracted driver are greater than ever before. If you have been the victim of a distracted driving accident, our Will County, IL, car accident lawyers are here to assist you. Contact McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC online or call 815-727-0100 today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.