Driver Distractions

Causes of Car Accidents

A leading cause of New York car accidents, driver distractions put other motorists at risk for serious injuries or even death. In general, there are three classifications of driver distractions. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, this is known as visual distraction. Similarly, cognitive distraction occurs when the driver keeps their eyes on the road, but allows their mind to wander. Lastly, manual distraction occurs when the driver removes their hands from the steering wheel.

All types of driver distractions are equally dangerous and may result in serious car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 80% of motor vehicle crashes are caused by driver distractions, and the distraction generally takes place three seconds prior to the crash. With these statistics, it’s possible that your automobile accident was caused by a distracted driver. To find out if you have a case against the negligent driver, fill out our free case review form on the right.

Cell Phone Use and New York Car Accidents

New York law, like many other states, prohibits all drivers from using handheld cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Still, the NHTSA estimates that every minute one million Americans are using their cell phones while driving, and this number is not decreasing. As technology advances, the amount of driver distractions continues to increase. Cell phones now allow users to send text messages, browse the internet and read e-mails. When these tasks are performed behind the wheel, the driver puts himself and other motorists at risk for serious car accident injuries.

Other Driver Distractions

Although cell phone use is a major driver distraction, there are other common distractions including:

• Putting on makeup
• Eating
• Changing the radio station
• Reading a map, newspaper, etc.
• Reaching for something inside the vehicle

If your car accident injuries were caused by a distracted driver, you may be able to recover compensation through a New York car accident lawsuit. Our auto accident attorneys in New York have extensive experience handling all types of auto accident claims, including those involving negligent drivers. We will extensively investigate your accident, speak to key witnesses and medical experts and thoroughly prepare your case for trial. Regardless of the cause of your New York auto accident, our attorneys can aggressively represent your interests and rights from start to finish. To contact one of our New York car accident attorneys today for a free case review, simply fill out the form on the right.