Distracted driving is a serious problem that can result in serious and deadly car accident injuries in New Mexico. Most motorists know that distracted driving can be extremely dangerous, yet many drivers continue to take risks. Indeed, according to a recent news release from Wolters Kluwer Health, new research suggests that a majority of drivers routinely engage in distracting behaviors behind the wheel, and about one-third of them end up causing accidents or near misses. The new research highlights the serious risks of distracted driving, as well as the fact that current measures to reduce distracted driving collisions may not be working. What do you need to know? Our Santa Fe personal injury attorneys can provide you with more information.
Majority of Drivers Admit to Distracted Driving
In a new study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, research determined that about 99.7% of people surveyed about distractions driving experiences and accidents “acknowledged distracted driving in the last 12 months.” Distracted driving can take many different forms, including talking or texting on a smartphone, eating or grooming while driving, changing the radio or GPS, and even taking one’s mind of the task of driving by conversing with a passenger or thinking about a family or work issue.
Some distractions are more common than others, according to the study. The authors identified the following as being among the most common types of self-reported distractions among motorists:
- Talking to a passenger in the vehicle;
- Listening to the radio;
- Adjusting the radio;
- Getting distracted by something outside the vehicle;
- Eating or drinking; and
- Daydreaming.
Approximately two-thirds of the people surveyed admitted to using mobile devices while driving, and around 40% admitted that they had made calls while driving with a handheld cell phone. Approximately 35% of those adults surveyed reported that they had even sent text messages from a handheld phone while drivers.
More Than 30% of Accidents May Result from Distracted Driving
In the research for the article, the authors of the study sought to determine how often motor vehicle collisions result from distracted driving. They determined that distracted driving may be responsible for even more auto collisions than we think. Of the subjects surveyed in the study, more than 30% of adult drivers “admitted to being distracted at the time of a previous crash,” and about 48% of those drivers “said that distractions contributed to previous ‘close call’ incidents.”
The study also revealed that certain types of drivers may be more likely to get distracted than others. In general, male drivers, older drivers, and higher-income motorists may be more distraction-prone than others. On the whole, the National Safety Council (NSC) suggestion that distracted driving is responsible for about 25% of motor vehicle collisions may be an underestimate based on the recent research.
Contact a Santa Fe Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision caused by a distracted driver, you should seek advice from a Santa Fe car accident lawyer about filing a claim for compensation. Our firm can help. Contact Slate Stern Law today to learn more about the personal injury cases we handle.