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Why Distracted Driving is a Leading Cause of Pedestrian Accidents and Deaths

There were 804,928 accidents caused by distracted driving in 2021, 8% of which were linked to cell phone use behind the wheel.

Distracted driving has become a significant threat to pedestrian safety. John Redmann, an experienced Metairie car accident lawyer, shares the three main types of distractions for drivers:

The Main Types of Distractions for Drivers

  • Visual distractions: include looking at a phone.
  • Manual distractions: are when a driver is texting or eating – take your eye off the road to read a text and it will take you 160 feet to stop at 55mph.
  • Cognitive distractions: cause the driver’s mind to wander, like being lost in thought or conversing with passengers.

All three types of distractions are dangerous for pedestrians, with seniors most at risk. Around 15% of senior pedestrians aged 65+ die after being hit by motor vehicles.

Distracted Drivers Don’t Notice Pedestrians and Fail To Yield The Right Way

When drivers take their eyes off the road to look at their phones or other devices, they are less likely to notice pedestrians entering a crosswalk or walking along the side of the road. Even just glancing down for a few seconds can be disastrous if a pedestrian is crossing during that time. Distracted drivers are slow to react to pedestrians and often fail to yield the right of way, as experienced car accident lawyers know all too well.

Distracted Drivers Take Longer Time To React and Prevent The Accident

Manual distractions like texting are especially hazardous because they combine visual distraction with taking a hand off the wheel. With only one hand to steer, the driver has less control of the vehicle. Their reaction time increases dramatically, making it very difficult to avoid hitting a pedestrian if they step into the path of the vehicle unexpectedly.

Driver’s Situational Awareness and Ability to Prevent Accidents Has Reduced

Cognitive distractions reduce the driver’s situational awareness and ability to assess hazards. A driver deep in conversation or lost in thought will be slow to see pedestrians and slow to react even if they do spot them. Their mind simply isn’t focused on the road and the task of driving safely.

Distracted driving remains a significant contributor to pedestrian accidents and fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and responsible behavior on the roads. As more drivers engage with their devices while behind the wheel, the risks for pedestrians continue to rise. For those affected by such incidents, understanding your legal rights is crucial. For further guidance, you can visit https://www.chicagospersonalinjurylawyer.com/car-accident-lawyer/ to find the support you need.

Pedestrian Deaths Rising Due to Distracted Driving Accidents

Recent studies show just how dangerous distracted driving has become for pedestrians. According to Smart Growth America, pedestrian deaths in the United States increased by nearly 70% between 2011 and 2022, and distracted driving is believed to have played a major role in this increase.

Laws banning texting and handheld cell phone use while driving exist in most states today, but enforcement remains challenging. Moreover, drivers engage in other types of distractions that can’t easily be prohibited, like eating, grooming, or attending to children and pets. Ultimately, reducing distracted driving requires drivers themselves to minimize activities and behaviors that take their eyes, hands, or mind off the critical task of driving safely.

In the meantime, pedestrians should take every possible precaution, including avoiding distracted behaviors of their own when near traffic, making eye contact with drivers before crossing, and assuming drivers do not see them until proven otherwise. But the onus remains heavily on drivers to curb distractions and pay full attention to driving responsibly, especially when pedestrians are present. Reducing distracted driving would go a long way toward lowering pedestrian deaths and making walking safer for everyone.

Our experienced Duluth Truck Accident Attorney can take on the burden of working through the complexities of your truck accident claim, gathering and analyzing evidence, negotiating with insurers, and if necessary, presenting your case before a trial court and jury.

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