Craig Rosenbaum | May 1, 2016 | Car Accidents

Distractions encompass more than texting or calling. A driver is distracted every time his or her eyes are taken off the road to change the station, “like” a song on Pandora or Spotify or even turn their head during a conversation. Unfortunately, the number of these distractions is set to skyrocket as cars become connected to the “Internet of Things.” This article will go over those distractions and how they impact your ability to drive.

The Centers for Disease Control recently conducted a study on the various types of distractions and how they affect driver’s concentration. They found that there are three classifications of distraction:

  • Optical or visual distractions which pull your eyes away from the road.
  • Cognitive distractions, like talking, that takes away your focus from the road.
  • Manual distractions, like changing a CD or radio station, which pulls your hands away from the wheel.

Distractions are dangerous because no one appreciates how fast they are actually moving. A sedan traveling 55 mph can traverse a football field in five seconds. It can take the average person five seconds to respond to a text, access an email, or even change a song. What may seem like a momentary distraction can be dangerous or even fatal.

The federal and state governments have passed a variety of laws to curb the growth of distracted driving. As of yet, there is no national consensus on what constitutes distracted driving or even on what types of distractions should be banned. Most states have come around to prohibiting texting and driving. The federal government, through its regulatory agencies, prohibits commercial vehicles from texting while driving and other various distractions.

If you were hit by a distracted driver, then you may want to consult with a lawyer. You may have an actionable claim to recover your medical costs and other expenses. You were the one injured in the car accident, you should not have to pay for your bills as well.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in New York City

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.

Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.
100 Wall St 15th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007