Many times, when it comes to distracted driving accidents, the root cause is just that the other driver was using their smartphone. These devices are usually prohibited on the road, but people use them for a variety of reasons – programming a GPS, taking pictures, sending text messages, streaming music, etc.
But why is it that phones show up so often in distracted driving accidents? Some people essentially consider distracted driving to be synonymous with texting and driving. This isn’t actually how it works, as there are many potential distractions – children, passengers, pets and much more. So why is it that smartphones feature so prominently and cause so many car accidents?
Phone addiction
To begin with, some drivers struggle with cellphone addiction. They’re addicted to checking the notifications on their device. It’s easier for them to avoid other sources of distraction, which they can just put off until they arrive at their destination. But if they get a notification on their phone while they’re driving, they feel compelled to check it immediately.
3 different distractions
Next, cell phones are actually creating three different distractions at the same time. When the driver looks down at their phone, they’re being visually distracted. If they’re holding the phone or manipulating it, they’re being physically distracted. If they are thinking about the online activity or how they’re using the device – such as considering what to write in a text message – they are being cognitively or mentally distracted.
All of these distractions can lead to serious car accidents. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.