Distracted drivers are the Number One menace on our roads today. Studies show   that distracted driving has over-taken impaired driving as the biggest hazard on the road in recent times.

When we think of distractions, we tend to assume that distractions are usually outside the vehicle. These may take the form of scenery, appearance of animals, birds or natural phenomena while driving, or commotions on the road, attractive and striking bill-boards and advertisement hoardings, etc. which cause the driver to turn his or her attention away from the road.

Sudden loud noises, crowds, trying to locate a particular destination, watching out for land-marks or for someone who has promised to wait at a particular spot are other reasons why we tend to dilute our focus on the task at hand.

However there are a number of other things that can distract drivers and these may be present inside their own vehicles. Such distractions are equally dangerous because they can divert the driver’s attention away from the road, resulting in a devastating accident.

If you or a dear one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, consult an Oakville personal injury lawyer without delay. You could be entitled to compensation if it’s proved that it was the driver’s negligence that caused the accident. 

Inattentive Drivers

According to the Toronto police distracted driving is indeed a huge and growing problem. A 50% rise in the number of drivers described as “inattentive” was observed over the period 2002-2012. One fifth of these collisions resulted in some level of injury, while 212 resulted in serious injuries and 12 resulted in death.

Toronto Constable Clint Stibble describes inattentive drivers as those who form a very broad category. In most of these cases, the distractions were inside the car itself. The police have seen cases where the driver was using a mobile phone, eating, grooming etc. “I’ve seen people shaving on the road. A person cuts himself while shaving, next thing you know he runs into a car. He’s inattentive,” rues Stibble.

Common reasons for driver distraction inside the vehicle include:

• Mobile phone use, answering calls, texting, messaging, reaching over to look at the phone. Even hands-free sets can cause distraction
• Grooming: Applying make-up, shaving, brushing teeth, adjusting the rear-view mirror to comb hair, etc
• Eating and drinking
• Reaching over to adjust radio controls, change CDs, lower or raise volume
• Chatting with co-passengers
• Turning round to check on kids in rear seat
• Horsing around, taking hands off the wheel
• Discarded coffee cups, drinks cartons or food trays getting caught in the foot-pedals
• Pets moving around inside the vehicle
• Wearing high heels

Studies have shown that even a three second distraction can cause a fatal accident. Unfortunately, the physical, financial and emotional consequences have to be borne by the injured persons and their families.

An experienced Oakville personal injury lawyer can provide assistance and advice if you have been seriously injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver.

We can conduct independent investigations, interview witnesses and experts to get testimony to back your claim and ensure that you get the settlement you deserve.