Distracted drivers 4 times more likely to cause a car accident

Distracted driving remains a matter of concern for Illinois authorities. It is reported that this time of the year — when students are going back to schools, colleges and universities — typically leads to more accidents involving teenagers. Many car accident injuries have been linked to distracted drivers.

Although distracted driving is commonly associated with drivers using mobile devices, there are multiple other things that can cause a driver’s attention to be diverted. Putting on makeup, eating and tuning the radio can cause distractions that may have devastating consequences. Authorities urge drivers to choose a safe spot to pull off the road to use a mobile device or to engage in any of the mentioned activities.

With the start of the school year, there will be more pedestrians, bicyclists, and even skateboarders in the areas surrounding schools, and this will require the full attention of drivers at all times. Authorities recommend that drivers switch off their mobile phones and put them out of reach. Further, restrictions exist concerning the number passengers a driver under the age of 18 may have. According to statistics, one in five Illinois car accidents result from distracted driving, and a distracted driver is four times more likely to be involved in an accident.

Distracted driving can cause severe injury or worse to others in the event of a car accident. Illinois victims of such accidents are entitled to pursue financial relief for medical and other documented financial losses. However, proving that a driver’s distraction caused the accident and resulting injuries may be tricky. It is typically beneficial for an injured victim to retain the services of an experienced car accident attorney to assist with gathering evidence of negligence and presenting a personal injury claim in a civil court.

Source: lakecountyjournal.com, “Experts urge drivers to pay more attention as school starts“, Stephanie Kohl, Aug. 12, 2015