Distraction is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents in Oregon. Despite awareness campaigns to reduce the occurrence of distracted driving, it still presents an extreme risk to both distracted and attentive drivers.
In addition to creating safety problems, failing to pay attention to the road can lead to civil liability and even criminal charges. Here are some examples of hazards involving distracted driving.
Talking and texting
Technology meant to make life easier can sometimes put lives in danger. According to Oregon’s Transportation Safety Division, there were approximately 1,969 accidents involving cell phones between 2014 and 2018 that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
Dashboard distraction
The digital displays on dashboards contain a lot of information. With more notifications and enhanced descriptions about things such as music or weather, people may take their eyes off the road for too long to look at the dashboard.
A false sense of security from assistive technology
Some features meant to enhance safety can make driving more dangerous when people rely on them too much. Self-driving and automated warning features on newer cars can cause drivers to give themselves permission to focus less than they ordinarily would.
Making an extra effort to avoid distraction can help drivers prevent serious motor vehicle accidents. They also need to keep an eye out for signs that other drivers are not paying attention to the road ahead. If you sustained an injury from an accident that you suspect was the result of another driver’s distraction, you may be able to seek compensation.