Sources of distraction on the road have only increased in recent years. Despite it being illegal to use them while driving, mobile phones are infamous for their involvement in distracted driving claims, but they’re not alone. Vehicle drivers can become distracted by their car radio, navigation systems or even by applying makeup while driving.
Distractions are common, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have tragic consequences. The CDC estimates that about 3,000 people die in distracted driving accidents every year. According to their analysis, more than 420,000 were injured in crashes caused in part by distracted driving in 2019 alone.
It is unfortunately common to witness someone behaving recklessly while driving. You might see someone looking for an item in a bag or their backseat or texting or calling another person while they’re operating a moving vehicle. This behavior endangers everyone in their vicinity and is inexcusable. When one of these drivers causes an accident that results in injuries or deaths, they should be held accountable. The Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in Columbus, OH at Buckeye Law Group are experts at pursuing personal injury claims against distracted drivers.
The lawyers at the Buckeye Law Group in Ohio are experts at pursuing personal injury claims against distracted drivers.
In 2018 Ohio statute 4511.204 went into effect. It clearly outlines that driving while reading, writing and texting on a mobile device is illegal. That unfortunately hasn’t entirely prevented people from willfully continuing to use their cell phones while driving.
While they are frequently attributed to distracted driving, cell phones are not the only cause for someone to lose focus behind the wheel. Driving while texting is just one of many causes of distracted driving. Distracted driving can also be caused by:
Even something as common as looking at passing sights can be considered distracted driving. While gawking at a car accident isn’t illegal, it can place you and other drivers in harm’s way. Anything that detracts from your focus on the road can be a source for distracted driving.
Small distractions can have large consequences if they lead to you violating traffic laws and causing a collision. Turning down your radio isn’t illegal, but if it leads to a driver missing a traffic signal and colliding with another vehicle, the driver who missed the signal would be considered liable for any injuries the other vehicle’s occupants sustain in the crash. If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver, contact the Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in Columbus, OH at Buckeye Law Group today.
You cannot control other people’s behavior, but you can control your own. Ignore distractions while driving, no matter how harmless or pressing they might seem. Drive carefully and be cautious of other drivers that might be distracted.
Distracted driving accidents are most often the distracted driver’s fault, but by being situationally aware you can potentially avoid collisions. Always give your fellow drivers adequate space and follow Ohio traffic law. Use your turn signals when appropriate and steer clear of erratic drivers.
The Buckeye Law Group has a team of experienced personal injury lawyers ready to represent people injured by distracted drivers. If you were harmed in a collision due to another driver’s negligence or distracted driving, contact us at 1-800-411-PAIN to schedule a free consultation.