Distracted Driving in Delaware: Beyond Cell Phones
When it comes to distracted driving, the first thing we all think of is cell phone misuse. However, there are more dangers to drivers than just chatting or texting, and the risks go beyond the driver who is distracted. Other vehicles, those sharing the road, pedestrians and even property owners are in danger when the person behind the wheel fails to pay proper attention to the road. At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman we represent injured clients in and around Seaford, Wilmington and Newark after distracted driving incidents.
Other distractions from the road
Distracted driving has become such a prevalent concern that the government has launched a website solely devoted to educating the public about the hazards involved at Distraction.gov. Distracted driving is defined as, “ …any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.” These activities could include obvious actions like cell phone use, but also less glaring actions like eating, drinking, talking to others in the vehicle, grooming or personal hygiene, utilizing maps or navigation systems, adjusting media, such as radio or CDs, and other vehicular adjustments, like climate control or seat position.
Cell phones may get all the attention in the media when it comes to distracted driving, but lack of focus on the road has been a persistent problem since the inception of automobiles. During the transition from horses and carriages to automobiles, critics of the day bemoaned the sharp increase in accidents. As long as there have been cars on the roads, there have been drivers distracted by everything from in-car record players to cup holders to passersby in provocative dress.
Serious consequences
It can seem like such small actions couldn’t possibly have major effects. Quickly glancing at the radio, leaning down to pick up a dropped item, or simply having a sip of coffee all feel innocuous and instantaneous. But any time a driver’s eyes are off the road, danger exists. The risks are serious—over half a million people are injured each year from accidents caused by distracted driving. Delaware attorneys regularly work on behalf of clients who have serious and life-altering injuries after accidents caused by distracted drivers, particularly teens for whom nearly 60% of accidents involve distractions.
Our trusted personal injury attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are here to defend your rights after accidents involving distracted drivers. Please contact us by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Delaware auto accident attorney in Wilmington, Newark, or Seaford today.
Related:
- Distracted Drivers Have Caused the Most Car Accidents in 2023
- New Technology To Help Reduce Distracted Driving
- Advertisers Seem to be Trying to Increase the Number of Distracted Drivers on the Road
- Distracted Driving in Delaware Nearly Doubled Last Year
- Smartphone Addiction and Its Role in Delaware Distracted Driving Crashes
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Is Technology the Solution to a Problem Caused by Technology?
- Could You Be Liable for a Distracted Driving Crash Because You Sent a Text Message to the Driver?
- 70 Percent of U.S. Car Crashes Caused by Distracted Driving
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.