It’s not uncommon to see motorists eating, drinking or using their phones while traveling on California highways. According to a recent poll conducted for Selective, 87% of respondents said that they had engaged in some form of distracted driving within the preceding 90 days of taking the survey.
What is distracted driving?
As a general rule, anything that takes your focus off of the road can be considered a distraction. Common distractions include talking on a phone, talking to passengers or changing a radio station. If you find yourself lost in your thoughts while driving to work, school or a medical appointment, you are engaged in distracted driving, and this can significantly increase your risk of being involved in a car accident.
What can you do to avoid distractions?
One of the easiest ways to avoid distractions while driving is to put your phone out of reach while your car is in motion. Alternatively, you can download apps that prohibit your phone from receiving texts, phone calls or other notifications until your vehicle comes to a stop.
It may also be in your best interest to avoid driving with passengers in your car. In some states, it is illegal for teens to transport their friends, family members or anyone else around town.
If you are involved in a car wreck caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney may be able to use witness statements, a police report or cellphone records to help prove that the person who caused the crash violated his or her duty of care toward others. While it’s not uncommon for personal injury cases to be resolved outside of court, your attorney may file a lawsuit in an effort to preserve your right to take a case to trial.
