What Are the Top 10 Distractions on Texas Roads? Tyler Accident Attorney Investigates

Distracted driving is a growing problem in the United States. It killed 3,154 motorists in 2013, according to Distraction.gov.

Although smart phones and other technology cause many of these crashes, there are several distractions both inside and outside of vehicles. Drivers must be proactive in their efforts to prevent distractions, and part of this is learning the most common causes of distracted driving.

Unfortunately, even the safest motorists can fall victim to distracted drivers. If you were injured due to another person’s negligent actions, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a personal-injury lawyer in Tyler who helps clients throughout east Texas. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about accident claims in Texas.

Here are the top 10 distractions for drivers in Texas:

1. Daydreaming

Being lost in thought is the biggest killer. In fact, 62 percent of distracted driving deaths happen because drivers are preoccupied with their thoughts. If you are daydreaming, then you cannot react quickly to sudden danger.

2. Cell Phones

The Federal Communications Commission explains the dangers of using cell phones while driving. Cell phone use causes 12 percent of all distracted driving deaths.

3. External Distractions

At least 7 percent of these deaths occur because of events occurring outside of vehicles, such as slowing to watch paramedics at an accident scene. Always maintain your vigilance when behind the wheel.

4. Passengers

Passengers can be disruptive. Five percent of distracted driving deaths occur because passengers are fidgety, noisy, demanding or otherwise distractive.

5. Reaching for Items

It is unwise to reach across the car for an item, such as a wallet or cell phone, while you are driving. You will not be in a good position to respond to sudden dangers.

6. Drinking and Eating

It is dangerous to eat and drink while driving. Instead, pull over. You need both hands on the wheel, and it is unwise to take your eyes off the road to fiddle with wrappers and cups.

7. Radios and Air Conditioners

Accidents happen quickly – sometimes in the second it takes to change the music or adjust the air conditioner. These distractions are responsible for 2 percent of distracted driving fatalities.

8. Smoking

At least 1 in 100 accidents occurs because of smoking. Fiddling with cigarettes, lighting them and killing them in the ashtray can take your eyes off the road long enough to crash.

9. Car Accessories

Pull over if you need to adjust mirrors, seatbelts or other features. When you start the car, driving should be your only focus.

10. Sudden Movement

One percent of distracted driving fatalities happen because of a sudden, unexpected movement in the car. Remove all loose trash, secure pets and make sure nothing can move around and distract you.

If a distracted driver injures you in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a Tyler accident attorney who can evaluate your claim to determine if you may be entitled to compensation. He is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.