Distracted drivers present a significant threat to motorists around them. This negligent behavior contributes to thousands of fatalities each year in the US and roughly three percent of traffic fatalities in Nevada.
Despite Nevada’s strict laws prohibiting mobile phones and other electronic use while driving regardless of being stopped at a traffic light or sign, many drivers engage in these behaviors.
Surveys conducted by AAA show drivers admitting to talking on the phone and texting while driving. Read here for guidance on eliminating distracted driving dangers
Understanding Distracted Driving
Distraction is when the motorist’s attention shifts from driving to other activities, whether adjusting music, eating, or using the navigation system.
Nevada law permits use of Bluetooth or hands-free headsets to take calls when driving. Still, engaging with others whether having a conversation or texting can delay response time significantly comparably to driving under the influence.
Mobile phone use when driving can reduce brain activity by almost 40 percent according to studies by Carnegie Mellon University.
There are three main types of distracted driving such as taking your eyes, hands or mind off driving. Some distractions may be one or the other of these while others can some form of the three, such as driving while texting. Consider in-dept details of these distractions.
Visual
Anything leading a driver from taking their eyes away from the road is a visual distraction, regardless of whether they’re at a traffic signal or sign. Common visual distractions in Las Vegas include:
- Looking at your mobile device to check a text message, navigate a route, adjust music or a podcast.
- Pay attention to the Vegas attractions, distracting billboards, or accidents along your path
- Searching for objects in the vehicle or a bag while driving
- Focusing more on a motorist cutting you off instead of potential obstacles or other motorists in the path ahead of you
Manual distractions
Many times, you will notice commuters hurrying to finish their morning routine as they rush off to start their day. This can include putting on makeup, eating breakfast, or tacking on a button.
Multi-tasking is second nature with many losing sight of the dangers involved, particularly when high speeds are involved. Common manual distractions include:
- Putting on makeup, combing your hair, drinking/eating, grooming overall
- Adjusting the temp, radio, and other auto controls
- Texts or holding your mobile device. Reaching for objects in the vehicle or a bag
Despite cars having advanced technology, such as self-driving, motorists should always have both hands on the wheel and eyes straight ahead on the road to ensure optimal safety and protect drivers around them.
Cognitive distractions
Distracted driving doesn’t have to involve taking your eyes or hands off the road. While driving becomes an automatic behavior once you’re seasoned, you must still maintain mental focus. Frequent cognitive distractions include:
- Talking on your mobile device even using Bluetooth or hands-free
- Engaging with passengers, turning toward the back of the vehicle to discipline children
- Driving in a heightened emotional state, angry, sad, or anxious
- In that same vein, driving when you’ve had little sleep or are fatigued or caught up in a daydream
Limiting Distractions When Behind the Wheel
A majority of motorists engage in some form of distracted driving at some point in Las Vegas, often without recognizing it. Preventing the behavior from the start and learning to recognize signs with other motorists is important to avoid accidents.
Visit - Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving – AAA Exchange - for tips on preventing distracted driving. Consider these tips for preventing distracted driving.
Remove temptation
People desire instant gratification and typically answer their mobile device whether it’s a call or text regardless of if they’re driving. This temptation can be avoided by silencing the phone or putting it in drive mode when behind the wheel.
Driving requires full attention and focus, when you drive for a few minutes or are on a long trip. When you cannot finish your morning routine before leaving the house, it’s wise to find ways to budget additional time so that these activities don’t impede safe driving.
Adjustments to the radio, temp, mirrors, and navigation should be made before heading out for your commute.
Pull over in an emergency
Emergencies crop up, usually these are rare when driving; however, if you witness an accident or receive an urgent text or phone call, it’s important to pull to the side of the road in a safe area. You want to shut the vehicle off and handle the situation as calmly as possible.
Contact A Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney
The consequences of distracted driving can be disastrous. Victims can suffer severe injuries, including fatalities. Pedestrians and bicyclists are at risk of being struck, particularly when visibility is low or the area lacks bike lanes or crosswalks.
If you’re hit by a distracted driver in Nevada, you should familiarize yourself with all legal options. Reputable law firms focused on accidents relating to distracted driving seek compensation for your injuries, as well as property damage, lost income, and mounting medical expenses.
Professional attorneys like those with Friedman Injury Law further pursue wrongful death claims resulting from distracted driving. Victims will have funeral costs and loss of consortium, not to mention their immeasurable grief.
Proving negligence in these cases can be challenging when physical evidence is non-existent. Consulting with a legal expert is critical to ensure you are reasonably compensated for your injuries.
