When behind the wheel, the primary responsibility of a driver is to adhere to the rules of the road and operate the vehicle as safely as possible. An important aspect of this is avoiding distractions of all kinds, including phones and other things that can take a driver’s attention. You know that distracted driving is a common cause of car accidents and a serious safety concern, but it is also likely that many underestimate the extent of this problem because it is hard to measure and track.
According to the National Distracted Driving Coalition, more drivers may be engaging with distracting and dangerous behaviors than assumed. This makes it difficult to create effective laws, safety equipment and education efforts that will make a difference in solving this problem. Regardless of the source of distraction, each person is responsible for the choices he or she makes while behind the wheel.
Analyzing crash data
There is a lot of data on motor vehicle accidents and the reasons why they happen. The data for distraction-related accidents is unclear because it is hard to gather accurate information at the scene of the crash. Some of the following reasons are why distraction is difficult to track and why the total number of distraction-related accidents are difficult to estimate:
- Drivers are often reluctant to admit to distraction before an accident.
- Witnesses may not admit to what they witnessed, or witnesses may experience severe injuries or death.
- Police reports often do not include data regarding what devices a driver may have been using.
- Phones and other technology may be damaged or destroyed in a crash, making it difficult to gather evidence from it.
- Without witnesses, it may be difficult for police to know what a driver was doing before a crash.
Distracted driving of all kinds is inexcusable and completely preventable. While it may be challenging, it is still possible to hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions that harmed others.
The aftermath of a distraction-related accident
If you are the victim of a distracted driving accident, there are legal options available to you. The Maryland civil justice system provides you the opportunity to seek justice and appropriate compensation for your losses and various damages. Due to the complexity of these cases, you may benefit from seeking a professional opinion regarding your legal options and how you can validate your potential claim.
