Although new technologies and devices are trying to fight the problem of distracted driving raving the roads across the nation, they seem to be one of the biggest culprits. From geo-location apps to hands-free in-car telephone systems, everything poses a dangerous risk while on the road. Taking active steps to remove these temptations from our automobiles could significantly improve safety levels on the road.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a distracted driving crash, a car accident attorney can help to fight for the compensation and care you deserve.
1. FOMO
FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, is a huge primal motivator for looking at our phones and mobile electronic devices even when we know we are not supposed to.
Even if we know we will get to our destination within 15 minutes; we do not want to risk missing out on the next biggest event in our friend group. But, is missing a new picture worth taking, or losing your own life?
2. New Apps
Our technology is developing rapidly, and we can share information and stay in touch easier than ever before. But there are a few well-known apps that pose rather unexpected consequences when it comes to drivers and others on the road.
* Snapchat
Snapchat, the photo-texting app popular among millennials has a filter which shows the user’s current speed. A 2016 lawsuit was filed when an 18-year-old driver documented her 107 mph crash with the filter, just seconds before her crash. Such things are sadly a common occurrence.
Were you involved in a car crash located in Michigan, where you expect the culprit to have been using social media apps like Snapchat leading up to the crash? You may have a case, so contact a local car crash attorney immediately.
* Waze and other geo-location apps
Although Waze and similar apps are great sources for information when it comes to upcoming traffic or nearby restaurants, they can be extremely distracting. Even if you only glance at your phone for a second, a second is all that’s needed to cause a deadly car crash.
3. Car WIFI
Although this only affects a minority of drivers on the roads today, some car models have their own WIFI systems built into the vehicle. Since drivers are constantly connected to the internet, they will receive all notifications as they come in, creating a strong temptation to check their device.
4. Hands-free ≠ no cognitive load
To fight the growing distracted driving epidemic, automobile manufacturers have created hands-free communication systems. Even if our hands are not occupied texting, our mind is being temporarily taken away from the more important task at hand – driving.
Most of the recent models (created over the past 10 years) have this feature, so many drivers are at risk.
5. Increasingly on-the-go lifestyles
As we try to cram more into our daily schedules, we spend more time on the road. Accordingly, we don’t have as much time to sit down to eat or drink our morning coffee. So more drivers are moving these daily rituals into their cars.
As we eat and drink, our driving grows a second-level priority, especially when drinking hot beverages like coffee. Depending on your driving habits, you may slow down to a crawl on the highway or become erratic, swerving through lanes and pose a considerable danger to ourselves and other drivers on the road.
As the roads continue to get busier during the upcoming summer vacation, try to keep your distractions to a minimum for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and everyone around you.
If, at any time, you are involved in a distracted driving crash, contact one of the top personal injury lawyers in your area as soon as possible. Whether you may be the perpetrator or victim, a talented auto accident lawyer could be the positive catalyst for your case.
