April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, the NHTSA asks people to take the pledge not to text or talk on the phone while driving. Cell phones are among the most common reasons for distracted driving accidents. Our North Dakota personal injury attorneys discuss the dangers of distracted driving and how to avoid a distracted driving accident in this blog.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving includes taking your eyes off the road. However, it also includes taking your mind off driving and your hands off the steering wheel. The most dangerous distractions are those that result in all three distractions – such as using a cell phone.
Examples of distracted driving include, but are not limited to:
- Searching for an object in the car
- Taking care of a pet or child
- Interacting with passengers
- Using a cell phone or other electronic device
- Consuming food and beverages while driving
- Watching and/or creating videos
- Texting while driving
- Grooming and/or putting on making
- Changing clothes or shoes
A second or two of distraction can result in a traffic accident. Common accidents caused by distractions include rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, and running off the road.
Ways to Avoid Distracted Driving in North Dakota
Distracted driving caused 3,308 deaths in 2022 and thousands of injuries. The statistics may be lower than the actual numbers because drivers do not admit to driving while distracted.
Ways that drivers can avoid distracted driving accidents include:
- Put cell phones on do not disturb while driving
- Pull over to a safe location if you need to use the phone
- Allow a passenger to handle phone calls, program the GPS, and change the vehicle controls (i.e., air temperature, radio station, etc.).
- Check your vehicle for items that could move and distract you while driving
- Prepare your vehicle before you leave
- Avoid drinking and eating while driving – stop for a break if possible
- Make sure children and pets are secured before leaving and children have what they need
- Pull over to a safe location if you need to care for children or pets
- Keep your eyes on the road and focus your attention on driving
If you are involved in an accident, take steps to protect your rights. If you sustain serious injuries or over $2,500 in medical bills, you may pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver.
What Should I Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in North Dakota?
The steps to take after a distracted driving accident include:
- Stop and remain at the accident scene. Call 911 to report the accident.
- If possible, take photographs and make a video of the accident scene.
- Do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone other than the police officer.
- When talking to the officer, give them the facts without making assumptions about fault.
- Ask eyewitnesses for their contact information.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
An attorney can help you determine your legal rights and the options for filing a car accident claim. Speaking with a car accident attorney before talking to an insurance company is wise. The insurance company is more interested in avoiding liability, which is not in your best interest.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our North Dakota Personal Injury Attorneys
Distracted driving continues to be a common cause of car accidents. If a distracted driver injured you, call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with our North Dakota personal injury attorneys. You may have one or more legal options to recover compensation for damages.
