Top 10 Distractions for Drivers in Nebraska – Facts from an Omaha Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accident-related injuries and fatalities. In fact, according to Distractiom.gov, 3,154 people died and 421,000 suffered injuries due to distracted driving in 2013. Distracted driving causes approximately 25 percent of all deaths on U.S. roads.
If you were injured in an accident with a distracted driver, then you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses and other damages. If the incident happened in Nebraska, then contact an Omaha accident lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law. Call 1-800-471-4100 today to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn the 10 most common distractions for Nebraskan drivers:
- Moving Objects
Moving objects caused 1 percent of all fatal accidents in 2013. An object that moves suddenly can draw a driver’s gaze off the road just long enough to cause a collision. Insects, such as spiders, can cause an irrational response, or a pet can jump around if not transported in a crate.
- Smoking
At least 1 in 100 car accidents happen because a driver is smoking a cigarette. He or she could be trying to light up instead of watching the road, attempting to put it out, or worrying about a potential fire after dropping one.
- Operating the Car
An accident can happen in the time it takes to adjust a mirror or secure a seatbelt. You should always check mirrors, adjust seatbelts and complete other tasks before starting the vehicle.
- Adjusting Radios and Air Conditioners
Fiddling with climate and audio controls causes approximately 2 percent of accident fatalities. Changing a CD, adjusting the volume and using the air conditioner for even a second is a contributing factor in some of the worst collisions.
- Eating and Drinking
Eating and drinking accounts for 2 percent of traffic deaths. Spilling drinks or food in the car can cause an instinctively dangerous reaction, especially if the item was hot, such as coffee.
- Reaching for an Item
Two percent of car accidents happen because a driver was reaching for his or her cell phone, book, work report or another item. This puts drivers in a position where they cannot react quickly to an unexpected hazard.
- Passengers
Passengers cause 5 percent of road deaths. This is particularly true of very young children, but any passenger can distract a driver at the just the wrong moment.
- Outside Distractions
Seven percent of accident deaths happen because drivers are looking at an outside object, event or person instead of at the road. A good example of this is an accident scene – when drivers slow down to stare.
- Cell Phones
Cell phone use is the second-leading distraction for drivers, causing 12 percent of all distracted-driving accidents. Using a cell phone while driving is just as dangerous as being drunk behind the wheel, and many people lose their lives so others can send a quick text message or check notifications.
- “Lost in Thought”
An alarming 62 percent of distracted-driving crashes happen because drivers are “lost in thought.” Being too preoccupied with your thoughts can cause you to react slower in situations that require your full attention and a quick response.
If you were injured by a distracted driver in Nebraska, then contact an Omaha injury attorney at 1-800-471-4100 to discuss your legal options. You can also visit http://USAttorneys.com to learn more about accident lawsuits.
