Common causes of distracted driving

Anything that takes your focus away from the road can be considered a distraction. In some cases, simply thinking about what you’ll do when you get to an Illinois mall, stadium or festival can be an example of distracted driving. However, in many cases, smartphone use is the cause of accidents involving motorists who weren’t paying attention when they occurred.

Smartphones can cause a variety of distractions

Simply glancing at your phone to see who is leaving you a message is enough to increase your risk of a crash. In the few seconds that it takes to look at your device, your car can travel a distance of up to 100 yards. Picking up your phone can increase your risk of getting into a car accident because it forces you to take your hands off of the steering wheel. This may reduce your ability to evade an obstacle in a timely manner.

Eating and drinking can take your focus away from the road

When you’re eating something delicious, it can be hard not to concentrate on the taste of the food that you’re consuming. Furthermore, it can be tempting not to spend time digging between the seats trying to pick up those fries that fell out of the bag. When you consume a liquid, there is also a chance that it could spill, which may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Not knowing the area can make it difficult to concentrate

It can be harder to notice people, animals or objects in the road when you’re looking at your car’s navigation system. It may also be harder to drive in a safe manner when you’re staring at exit signs on the freeway.

If you are in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it may be possible to obtain compensation for lost wages, hospital bills or other damages. An attorney may be able to help you obtain a favorable outcome in a personal injury case in a timely manner.