If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important that you educate yourself on what determines whether or not a driver was distracted. In the state of New York, the law prohibits the driver of a vehicle from using any portable electronic devices. This includes holding an electronic device and sending, reading, composing, accessing, transmitting, browsing, saving, or accessing electronic data such as text messages, email, webpages or images.
Why distracted driving is dangerous
When operating a motor vehicle, there is a lot that you need to focus on. Other drivers, the road, weather conditions, the operation of your vehicle, and any kind of warning lights or signs.
Other factors that cause distracted driving
Over and above the legal definition, these activities can also cause a driver to become distracted:
• Eating while driving
• Talking to other passengers
• Fiddling with knobs/controls in the car
• Playing loud music
• Smoking
• Personal grooming (putting on makeup/shaving)
• Sleep deprivation
Distracted driving is on the rise. The proliferation of personal electronic devices has added a new dimension to the driver’s experience, and the ability to “stay connected” while on the go is actually turning out to be a detriment to safety. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration 2,841 people died in 2018 due to distracted driving.
What you can do to stay safe
Make sure that you have minimized your distractions every time you get in your car. Turn down the radio, turn off your cell phone, and stay alert to changing road conditions and the actions of other drivers. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is in your best interests to contact an attorney.