Owings Mills Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Maryland and all over the country. It seems as though people cannot live without their smartphones, so when they’re behind the wheel, they’re not fully focused on the road. This is leading to serious and even fatal crashes.
Thousands of people are killed by distracted drivers every year. Distractions can happen in a variety of ways. Young and elderly drivers are often distracted, but a driver of any age can be at fault.
Were you injured by a distracted driver? If so, the Owings Mills distracted driving accident lawyers at Furman | Honick Law can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of distracted driving:
- Manual. A manual distraction is anything that causes a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. This includes texting, eating, drinking, and grooming.
- Visual. A visual distraction is one that takes the driver’s eyes off the road. This may include texting, reading, or dealing with pets or children.
- Cognitive. A cognitive distraction is one that takes the driver’s mind off the task of driving. This includes daydreaming and thinking about other things, such as work or your shopping trip.
Top Distractions While Driving
There are many things that can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Some examples include:
- Texting. It is estimated that 25% of car accidents are caused by texting. You may be expecting an important text message or may want to text someone and tell them you are running late. Don’t do it. Instead, pull over.
- Eating and drinking. If you haven’t eaten in a while, you may be tempted to hit the drive-thru and eat on the way home. However, eating and drinking are tasks that take your hands off the wheel, possibly causing accidents.
- Talking to passengers. Many of us drive with passengers and talk to them during the ride, but this can be distracting. If you do drive with passengers, avoid looking at them and stay focused on the road.
- Dealing with children and pets. Transporting young children can be stressful. They’re crying, they’re bored, they want food, they’re trying to get out of the car seat. Or you may be dealing with dogs who want your attention while you’re driving. It’s best to pull over and deal with these issues instead of taking your eyes off the road. Also, dogs should be contained in a crate while driving so they stay safe.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
While many of us think we can multitask with ease, doing multiple things while behind the wheel constitutes distracted driving. This can be a dangerous situation for other drivers and passengers.
At Furman | Honick Law, we understand the effects of distracted driving. We’ll help you get full and fair compensation for the injuries you have suffered from this negligent behavior. To schedule a free consultation with an Owings Mills car accident lawyer, call (410) 844-6000 or fill out the online form.