Daydreaming While Driving Can Be Deadly
There is undeniable data that shows distracted driving is incredibly dangerous. In fact, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as nine people will die each day in the U.S. as a result of distracted driving.
While using one’s phone is often a reason that causes distracted driving, the CDC reports that anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving is considered distracted driving. This would include cognitive distractions or taking your mind off of driving. As such, daydreaming while driving is hazardous, and can also be deadly.
If you were injured or if you lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in Oregon, then you may benefit from discussing your case with an experienced personal injury attorney. At the Rosenbaum Law Group, you can meet with a Portland distracted driving injury attorney to see what your options are for obtaining compensation.
The Dangers of Daydreaming While Driving
Distracted driving accidents are entirely preventable because distracted driving is an avoidable behavior. While plenty of distracted driving accidents happen because of a driver using their cell phone, a study conducted by Erie Insurance showed that being “lost in thought” was by far the most common reason for fatal distracted driving accidents.
The study reported the following distracted driving activities that led to deadly crashes:
- Engaging in miscellaneous tasks like eating or fiddling with the dashboard touchscreen 1%
- Reaching for an object or something else 2%
- Adjusting car equipment such as the mirrors 1%
- Looking at distractions on the road 6%
- Talking to passengers in the car: 5%
- Looking at passengers in the car 5%
- Using a cellphone: 14%
- Being “lost in thought”: 61%
It can be hard to stay focused all of the time while driving, but it is essential for everyone’s safety to try and do so every time you get behind the wheel. Some tips that can help prevent daydreaming while driving can include:
- Avoid driving when you are sleepy
- Try not to drive at night
- Take different routes to common locations to mix things up
- Plan for short breaks when going on long road trips to stretch, get fresh air, go to the bathroom, and even get coffee or food.
- Do not eat or drink while driving
- Do not drive intoxicated on drugs or alcohol
- If you realize you are not paying attention while driving, try to zone back in
Speak to an Oregon Distracted Driving Injury Attorney Today
It is important that your eyes stay on the road, that you keep your hands on the wheel, and that you keep your mind engaged and concentrate on driving your vehicle to stay safe and minimize the chances of a crash.
If you were hurt in an Oregon car accident and would like assistance with a car accident claim, please call the experienced Portland personal injury lawyers at the Rosenbaum Law Group today at (503) 288-8000. Initial consultations are complimentary.
Source:
cdc.gov/distracted-driving/about/index.html
