Distracted Driving: Everything You Need To Know

When most people think of distracted driving, they think of texting and driving. However, there are many things that you can do behind the wheel that are considered “distracted driving”.  

The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have been injured in a distracted driving accident.  Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person at our nearby offices, over the phone, or video call.  You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.

By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.

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What is Distracted Driving? 

Distracted driving is driving while doing any activity that takes your attention away from the road. This includes being on electronics, eating or drinking, or fiddling with the radio or GPS. You cannot drive safely unless driving has your full attention.  

What Causes Distracted Driving? 

According to Safe Start, there are 10 major causes of distracted driving.  

1. 62%- Being “lost in thought”: The biggest cause of distracted driving fatalities is a driver’s mind wandering, which leads to them not paying attention to the road 
2. 12%- Cell Phones: It’s no surprise that the second-leading cause of distraction-related car accidents is cell phones being used while driving- even hands-free  
3. 7%- “Rubbernecking”: Looking at a person, object or event outside is even more of a distraction than the person in the passenger seat! 
4. 5%- Other People in the Car: Driving with a passenger can often be very distracting  
5. 2%- Using or Reaching for Something: Even things in the car, like a GPS, can lead to a serious accident if you don’t pay attention while using them 
6. 2%- Fiddling with Controls: Whether it’s adjusting the volume or fixing the heat or AC, even a moment is a factor in a small number of traffic fatalities. 
7. 2%- Eating and Drinking: With every car having cupholders, it can be all too tempting to use them! 
8. 1% Smoking: One in a hundred accidents is related to lighting a cigarette, smoking, or putting it out. 
9. 1% Moving Objects: Things in the car, such as insects and pets, can lead to distraction and often a crash. At least one source suggests that it may be an underreported cause of distraction.  
10. 1% – Controls in the Car: 1% of distracted driving accidents are caused by using controls built in the car like mirrors or seatbelts 

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused By Distracted Driving? 

In Arizona in 2018, 57,515 car accidents were caused by some form of distracted driving. That means that about 45% of all accidents in Arizona were caused by some sort of distraction- which may have been easily avoided.  

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Resources Near Me 

For more information about distracted driving in the Phoenix Valley, check out these resources.  

Arizona Department of Transportation 

Arizona Department of Public Safety