When it comes down to it, only an honest handful of automobile accidents simply cannot be prevented. Most of them happen because of human error and, in essence, are preventable.
This “human error” can mean motorists were speeding, disregarding warnings and signs, or driving distracted — something that can be at the route of many motor vehicle accidents.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, two seconds of attention to our mobile phones or changing the radio station accounts for at least 12 percent of car accidents worldwide and 14 percent in the United States.
On top of that, a recent study published by Norway’s Institute of Transport Economics’ Ole Johansson reports that young men may be more prone than others to get distracted while behind the wheel. Young men were among the most likely to report distraction due to phones as well as distraction due to others talking in the car or distraction while flipping through the radio channels.
The study itself was an interesting one, seeing as it was able to draw out patterns about who was more likely to be distracted — especially since few reported that distracted driving was an actual problem for them. The study is the first of its kind to look at the connections between intentions and behavior in accordance with distracted driving.
The study further concluded that those with extroverted and neurotic personalities tended to be more susceptible to distraction while driving. With the study heavily relying on self-reporting, more and more studies of its kind need to be done to further delve into the matter of distracted driving.
Regardless of the numbers, distracted driving is a major contributor to automobile accidents. The use of a cell phone alone is enough to have 47 states institute texting bans and 15 states to place bans on talking on the phone while driving. Distracted driving also extends well behind the handheld device.
Passengers in the car, using the GPS, changing the radio station, adjusting temperature controls and distractions outside the vehicle can all contribute to an accident on the road. These types of accidents can lead to serious bodily harm to yourself or those in another vehicle.
If you or a loved one has been in an automobile accident because of a distracted driver on Philadelphia roads then you need to contact Baldwin Matzus, LLC. With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including many car accident cases, attorney Jason Matzus knows what it takes to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (866) 858-2276 or fill out our online contact form to begin discussing your legal optionstoday.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
