6 Common Causes of Distracted Driving in Maryland
Maryland law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld device while driving. The law prohibits drivers from writing, sending, or receiving text messages or other electronic communications behind the wheel. However, not all Maryland drivers follow this law. Too many auto accidents stem from distracted drivers and understanding the most common causes of distracted driving could be vital to your case.
To obtain compensation for your accident-related expenses, you must prove the other driver was negligent. Distracted driving is a form of negligence but proving it may be hard on your own. Hiring a Maryland auto accident attorney to assist you with your case can be helpful.
What Is Distracted Driving?
According to the CDC, anything that takes a driver’s attention from the road is a distraction. The CDC also defines three main types of distraction:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving.
Distracted driving kills thousands of people every year, so it’s essential to watch out for the signs when driving. Avoid vehicles that are braking suddenly, drifting between lanes, or speeding excessively. When it is safe, pull over and report them to law enforcement.
Examples of Distracted Driving in Maryland
Every Maryland resident who obtains a driver’s license has a reasonable expectation to keep themselves and others safe when operating a motor vehicle. However, many drivers still engage in distractions, creating an unnecessary risk. Six common causes of distracted driving include:
- Texting: Using a cell phone while driving is one of the most common causes of distracted driving. It’s so common that there are 1.6 million crashes every year because of drivers using their phones.
- GPS: Many people are dependent on GPS to arrive at their destination but setting up a route while driving is just as dangerous as texting. Even glancing at directions for a second is enough to cause an accident.
- Applying makeup: Surprisingly, many people apply makeup and drive simultaneously. This takes their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, creating an extremely hazardous situation.
- Talking to passengers: When people drive with a passenger, it might feel natural to talk to them. When we talk to others, it’s even more natural to turn and look at them. However, this is a dangerous activity when driving since it takes the eyes off the road and causes a cognitive distraction.
- Interacting with pets: It’s not safe to drive with a pet loose in the vehicle. When pets move around the car or sit on a driver’s lap, they become a distraction. A sudden bark could cause a driver to brake suddenly or swerve into the other lane.
- Zoning out: Daydreaming on a long car drive is all too common. However, zoning out can cause a driver to drift into a different lane, run a red light, or rear-end a vehicle. Driving on autopilot is hazardous and happens too often.
Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Maryland Is Here to Help
If you believe that a distracted driver caused your auto accident in Maryland, contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub today. Attorney Traub will launch a thorough investigation into the accident and look for evidence that proves the other driver was distracted. He does this by analyzing evidence, conducting witness interviews, and speaking with the police.
When you partner with Attorney Traub, you can be confident he will do everything to reach a favorable outcome. To speak to an accomplished Maryland auto accident attorney, call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form today.