When motorists in Wisconsin and elsewhere get behind the wheel of a vehicle, this activity is much more than starting the vehicle, putting it in gear and maneuvering it with the wheel. The task of driving is constantly filled with distractions from the outside world. Whether it is a motorist’s cellphone, the radio, a passenger in the vehicle, food, beverages and even applying makeup, drivers simply do not just focus on driving when they are behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is a growing concern, specifically using a cellphone while driving. In the U.S. during daylight hours, it is estimated that 481,000 drivers use their cellphone while driving. This risky behavior expands the potential for deaths and injuries on the roadways. Data from just 2016 alone indicates that distracted driving killed 3,400. Additionally, it was reported that 391,000 were injured in 2015 in a motor vehicle crash involving a distracted driver.
What constitutes distracted driving? This is considered to be any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from driving. This can include tasks such as talking or texting on the phone, talking to people within the vehicle, eating and drinking, touching the stereo and using a navigation system. These tasks cause a driver to take their eyes off of the road, their hands off of the wheel and their mind of the primary task of driving. These and other similar actions can constitute distracted driving and could be the cause of a serious car accident.
A distracted driving can be a very dangerous factor on the road. When such a driver causes a car accident, victims should understand that legal recourses are available. A personal injury action not only helps establish cause and liability, but it also assists with the recovery of compensation for losses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, lost wages and other related damages.
