Distracted driving can lead to serious injuries because taking your attention away from the road reduces your ability to notice hazards, react quickly, and maintain control of your vehicle. A few seconds of distraction can be enough to cause a rear-end collision, intersection crash, lane-departure accident, or pedestrian impact.
These crashes can result in injuries ranging from broken bones and whiplash to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Understanding how distracted driving accidents happen can help drivers recognize the dangers and make safer choices behind the wheel.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver focuses on something other than operating the vehicle safely. Common distractions include:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or navigation system
- Talking with passengers
- Looking at something outside the vehicle
- Reaching for objects
- Using other electronic devices
Some distractions are visual, some are manual, and others are cognitive. A driver can be distracted even when their hands remain on the steering wheel.
Why Phones Create a Serious Risk
Smartphones can combine multiple forms of distraction at once. Reading a message takes a driver’s eyes away from the road, while typing requires physical attention and mental concentration.
A distracted driver may fail to notice a vehicle braking ahead or a pedestrian entering a crosswalk. By the time the driver looks back at traffic, there may not be enough distance to avoid a crash.
Delayed Reaction Time
Drivers need to constantly monitor traffic and respond to changing conditions. Distraction delays this response.
For example, a driver who is looking down at a phone may not immediately notice that traffic has stopped. Even a short delay can turn a situation that could have been avoided into a collision.
The faster vehicles are traveling, the less time drivers have to react to unexpected hazards.
Loss of Vehicle Control
Distraction can also interfere with steering and other basic driving tasks. Reaching for an object or looking away from the road can cause a driver to drift into another lane or leave the roadway.
A vehicle traveling at highway speed can cover a significant distance while the driver’s attention is elsewhere. Losing control at that speed can produce severe impacts.
Types of Injuries Distracted Driving Can Cause
The severity of an injury depends on factors such as vehicle speed, crash direction, seat-belt use, and the type of collision.
Potential injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Permanent disabilities
Some injuries may not be immediately obvious after a crash. Seeking medical attention can help identify problems and create documentation of accident-related injuries.
Georgia’s Distracted Driving Law
Georgia has specific restrictions on the use of wireless telecommunications devices while driving. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241 prohibits drivers from engaging in certain distracted behaviors and establishes requirements concerning the use of wireless telecommunications devices while operating a motor vehicle.
Following these rules is important, but drivers should also avoid other activities that take their attention away from traffic.
How Drivers Can Reduce Distractions
Simple habits can make a significant difference. Drivers should put their phones away before starting the vehicle, use hands-free navigation when necessary, and avoid eating or performing other activities that require attention.
Parents can also help young drivers develop good habits by setting clear expectations about phone use and other distractions.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Crash
If another driver’s distraction causes an accident, seek medical attention and report the collision to the appropriate authorities. Photograph the vehicles and accident scene if it is safe to do so, and collect contact information from witnesses.
Keep medical records, repair bills, insurance correspondence, and other documents related to the crash. These records may become important when determining responsibility and seeking compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Distracted driving reduces a driver’s ability to see and respond to hazards.
- Smartphones can create visual, manual, and mental distractions.
- Even a short distraction can result in a serious collision.
- Distracted driving can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, and other serious harm.
- Georgia law restricts certain forms of distracted driving.
- Drivers should put away phones and avoid activities that take attention away from traffic.
- After a crash, preserve evidence and seek appropriate medical care.
