Distracted driving is a form of negligence. People generally understand that it isn’t safe to split their attention while operating a motor vehicle. Distracted driving is also illegal under state law.
Yet, many people struggle to disconnect from their device while they commute to work or run errands around town. Some motorists try to find workarounds that allow them to use their devices without getting caught. While those workarounds or texting while driving hacks may reduce the likelihood of a citation, they do not eliminate the possibility of a distracted driving crash. Drivers who try to sidestep rules about texting-while-driving may still be liable if they cause crashes due to their digital distraction.
What workarounds are common?
One of the most popular ways that people compromise about texting while driving is to only handle their devices when stopped at a red light. They may view this as a safe option, as they can set down their phone before they start moving again.
What people may not understand is that they have a cognitive deficit for nearly 30 seconds after interacting with a digital device. That distraction can increase their reaction time and compromise their ability to respond effectively to unsafe circumstances.
Other people use talk-to-text software to keep their hands off their phones. They sync their phones with their vehicles and have the vehicle read the text message or email aloud. They then dictate a response. People are largely aware of the errors that occur in talk-to-text dictation and may be more likely than they realize to glance at their device to check the text and may be more mentally focused on messaging than on driving.
A distracted driver can strike people who have the right of way at an intersection or rear-end a vehicle that they didn’t notice had stopped or slowed. When they cause crashes, they may be liable for the harm that they cause others.
Even those who try not to handle their phones and have a workaround may still experience dangerous levels of digital distraction. Pursuing compensation through insurance or a personal injury lawsuit can help those involved in car wrecks caused by distracted drivers. Proof of distraction isn’t always necessary to hold a driver accountable for causing a wreck, but it can help.
