Roads are a vital part of daily life. However, they also present significant risks, particularly when drivers do not fully focus on the road. Distracted driving is a pervasive road safety issue, with texting while driving being one of the most well-known distractions. If you are unfortunately a victim of a distracted driving accident, what could have caused the driver to lose their focus while behind the wheel?
Forms of distracted driving
Maryland’s Transportation Code does not allow a person to use a handheld mobile device to talk or text while operating a motor vehicle. Moreover, the state prohibits all forms of distracted driving. Among the other forms of distracted driving are the following:
- Visual: When a driver takes their eyes off the road when looking at a GPS navigation system or watching videos on social media platforms
- Manual: When they remove their hands from the wheel when eating, drinking or applying makeup
- Cognitive: When they take their mind off driving when engaging in a deep conversation or drifting into deep thought
In addition, another distraction is auditory in nature. A driver can also cause a distracted driving crash when he hears or listens to something that is not related to driving.
The greater risk of texting while driving
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it can involve most or all of the forms of distracted driving. An experimental study published by the National Library of Medicine found that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash or near-crash incident by six times.
The risk due to distracted driving was higher than the threat that other distractions caused. The study added that eating, drinking and other forms of distracted driving increased the risk by three times.
Pursuing damages, recovery and justice
Distracted driving poses a serious hazard on roads and causes many injury accidents. With legal guidance, you may better understand your rights when seeking various damages from a distracted driver who caused your accident.
