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Spotlighting the perils of distracted driving in Indiana

On Behalf of | Jan 19, 2021 | Motor vehicle accidents |

In a perfect behind-the-wheel world, every driver proceeds with due caution and respect for other motorists. Drivers are on the constant lookout for comparatively vulnerable parties like motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. No one speeds or otherwise drives in an even remotely careless manner.

As a prudent and conscientious Indiana motorist, you would love to operate in a traffic environment like that, wouldn’t you?

Yet you flatly realize the following and know it to be true from real roadway experience: Such a universe is pure fiction. There are of course legions of expert drivers among us, but, sadly, there often seem to be just as many reckless motorists.

And they are unquestionably dangerous. An Indiana legal source discussing traffic perils and linked personal injuries duly notes the high number of individuals and families that sometimes pay a heavy price because of “the negligent and reckless actions of others.”

That overview of dangerous driving also emphasizes this sobering point: “It only takes one mistake or one moment of negligence to cause an accident that can have irreparable consequences.”

Just how serious a scourge is distracted driving?

The sad bottom line tied to inattentive driving is that it annually causes an alarming number of catastrophic and deadly injuries on Indiana and national roadways. Here is some key national distracted driving information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • Well more than 2,800 fatalities linked with driver distractions in a recently measured year
  • 400 pedestrian deaths
  • Scores of bicyclist fatalities
  • Evidence indicating that diverting distractions can repeatedly take drivers’ eyes off the road for five seconds or more

What behind-the-wheel behaviors comprise distracted driving?

Candidly, a representative list of distracted driving entrants could run for pages. The NHTSA stresses that inclusions run a broad gamut, embracing “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” Here are just a few examples:

  • Playing with kids and/or pets
  • Eating and drinking
  • Grooming (e.g., shaving, applying makeup and more)
  • Incessantly interacting with on-board entertainment systems and other tech devices
  • Engaging with social media platforms
  • Phone use, including texting
  • Dozing and even temporarily falling asleep
  • Drunk driving

The consequences of distracted driving can turn catastrophic and even deadly within seconds.

All drivers command equal roadway rights and are entitled to a safe behind-the-wheel experience. When that expectation is turned upside down by third-party negligence, an injured victim and loved ones can pursue accountability and a meaningful legal remedy marked by maximum compensation.

A compassionate and experienced legal team can provide further information.