Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents across the United States. In California, where heavy traffic is already a daily challenge, distractions behind the wheel make the roads even more dangerous. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, the attorneys at Hillstone Law are here to fight for your right to full and fair compensation.
The Three Main Types of Distractions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distractions fall into three categories:
1. Visual Distractions
Anything that takes your eyes off the road, such as looking at a billboard, checking a GPS, or turning to address children or pets inside the car.
2. Manual Distractions
Activities that take your hands off the wheel, like eating, adjusting the radio, or using a cell phone.
3. Cognitive Distractions
Anything that takes your mind off driving. Even if your eyes are on the road and your hands are on the wheel, distractions like conversations, stress, or phone calls can significantly impair reaction times.
Some distractions, like texting while driving, combine all three categories making them especially dangerous.
The Truth About Hands-Free Devices
Many drivers assume that hands-free cell phone use is safe, but research shows otherwise. Studies have found that drivers using hands-free devices are just as cognitively impaired as those using handheld devices. The distraction may feel less obvious, but the risk of an accident remains the same.
Distracted Driving Statistics
- The NHTSA reports that 3,166 people were killed in the U.S. in 2017 due to distracted driving.
- The Insurance Information Institute found that between 2012 and 2017, cell phones were a factor in 14% of fatal crashes.
- The National Safety Council estimates that cell phone use contributes to at least 27% of all crashes.
- Teens are especially at risk: studies show that teens whose parents drive distracted are 2 to 4 times more likely to do the same.
Why Teens Are at Higher Risk
New drivers already require more visual, manual, and cognitive focus to avoid collisions. Distractions such as passengers or phones make accidents even more likely.
California law restricts teens with provisional licenses from carrying passengers under 20 during their first year (unless accompanied by an adult over 25). Parents can also make a major difference by setting strict rules and modeling safe driving behavior.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Hillstone Law Can Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t face the insurance companies alone. At Hillstone Law, our experienced auto accident attorneys will:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance adjusters
- Pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Contact Hillstone Law today for a free consultation and let us fight to protect your rights while you focus on your recovery.
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
