Top 4 Driving Distractions that Lead to Car Accidents in Kent
Distracted driving is a growing cause of accidents. Each day, on average, 12 people are killed and another 448 injured because a driver was either distracted by technologies or engaged in non-driving activities. Technology offers us multiple ways to distract ourselves from the road but it also offers new means to stay focused on driving: voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. But there are some dangers that can arise even when using these voice assistants while behind the wheel of the car.
The accidents caused by distracted driving are often of small consequence. If a car accident kills the driver, then that is pretty devastating. However, smaller accidents leave the victims with no long-term harm or disability. These smaller incidents do not affect anyone but the individual in question. The victims may suffer from pain and can perhaps be scarred for life by an accident that even occurred decades ago (think middle school). Despite how severe the consequence of an accident is, it is essential to consult an attorney when you are injured in a car accident in Kent caused due to distracted driving.
We will now see the most common driving distractions that lead to car accidents in Kent.
- Cell phones and other smart devices
The most common distraction that leads to car accidents is cell phones. Talking on a hands-free device while driving is less dangerous than texting or talking on the phone, but both are just as dangerous as each other. According to the National Safety Council, more than 1 billion drivers use their cell phones while driving.
- Eating and drinking
Eating and drinking items are yet another common distraction that leads to car accidents. According to the National Safety Council, almost every other driver has been involved in a food-related accident. Eating and drinking while driving significantly affects the driver and can cause serious injuries or even death.
- Grooming
The third most common distraction that leads to car accidents is grooming. In 2017, the National Safety Council reported that drivers were involved in an accident while shaving or applying a beauty product. These activities may not seem dangerous but they can be deadly if the driver is driving at a high speed and does not pay attention to the road.
- Interactions with co-passengers
Interactions with co-passengers are a common distraction that causes car accidents. The person behind the wheel is responsible for the safety of others in the car, but passengers can distract the driver by asking questions, replying to texts and emails, and even giving directions. According to National Safety Council, a passenger can impair driving performance as significantly as eating or interacting with a smart device.
