These days, drivers in New York are less likely to make phone calls while behind the wheel. However, they are more likely to send text messages or check their emails instead. This was the main takeaway from researchers who analyzed data from a survey taken in 2014 and again in 2018. While today’s drivers may be performing riskier actions on their phones, the research did not indicate that there was an increase in distracted driving between 2014 and 2018.
Those who operate a cellphone while driving are more likely to get into an accident. This is because it can result in changes to how the driver pays attention to the road. Drivers who use a phone to make a call will likely be staring at the center of the road, but they won’t be able to process what they see as quickly.
Furthermore, a driver has to take their eyes off of the road to dial numbers or send a text message. Even if an individual doesn’t use a cellphone while driving, they could still be distracted behind the wheel. This is because eating, drinking or talking to a passenger can make it more difficult to drive safely. Crash deaths caused by distracted drivers are about 8 to 10 percent of the overall total of accident fatalities.
An individual harmed in a crash caused by a distracted driver may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. This could help to pay for medical expenses and other costs related to the crash. Drivers may be distracted by their cellphones, their passengers or even their own thoughts. An attorney could use evidence collected at an accident scene to obtain a favorable outcome in an accident case.