Most people in Oklahoma and throughout the nation understand that when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle they may very well be taking a chance that they will be involved in a car accident. Motor vehicle accidents are quite common and, according to a recent report, an estimated 33,000 fatalities per year have occurred in these accidents in America over the last five years. There are many different causes of car accidents, but one cause has garnered significant attention in recent years: distracted driving.
By now, many of our readers are probably familiar with the tell-tale signs that drivers sharing the road alongside them are most likely looking at their cellphone, for example, instead of focusing on driving. The car in question might drift a little and then sharply correct, or the drivers’ eyes may even be visible in their own rearview mirrors, looking down at their laps instead of straight ahead at the road. When drivers in Oklahoma can identify distracted driving behavior, they can learn to avoid those negligent drivers.
However, the ever-present cellphone isn’t the only cause of distractions behind the wheel. As the recent report pointed out, distractions can be “manual,” “visual” or “cognitive.” A manual distraction is something that takes a driver’s hands off of the wheel. A visual distraction is one that takes the driver’s eyes off of the road. And a cognitive distraction is something that takes the driver’s concentration off of the task of driving. Using a cellphone while driver, for example, involves all three forms of distraction.
When distracted drivers cause car accidents, any injured parties may have an opportunity to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to attempt to recover financial compensation. Distracted driving can be negligent and reckless. Injured Oklahoma residents may be able to hold distracted drivers to account for their conduct.