Chicago Distracted Driving
In Chicago, distracted driving causes accidents, no matter how vigilant some drivers may be. Instead of unplugging from the high-tech, fast-paced lifestyles that are common today, many drivers choose to bring distracting technologies on the roads with them despite the well-known risk. When drivers engage in any task that takes their attention away from driving, such as texting while driving, they are distracted and could cause a serious accident.
Distracted driving is a growing problem throughout the United States, including here in Illinois. The U.S. distracted driving statistics are sobering. In 2009, more than 5,000 people were killed and another 400,000 people experienced common auto accident injuries in accidents involving distracted drivers. While weather-related accidents, as well as those caused by speeding, auto defects and road design defects have certainly taken their toll, nearly 20 percent of all car accidents that occurred in the nation that year involved a distracted motorist.
Schaumburg Auto Accident Attorney
Driving distractions can be broken down into three categories: visual, manual and cognitive. When drivers look anywhere other than the road, they are visually distracted. This includes looking at passengers, gazing out the window, or using a navigation system. When drivers take their hands off the steering wheel, they are manually distracted. Picking up a cell phone or eating is potentially dangerous manually distracting behavior. Cognitive distraction, which includes drunk and drugged driving, occurs when drivers’ minds are not on the task of driving. Even the simple tasks of talking to a passenger or changing the station on the radio can be distracting enough to lead to a deadly accident.
Texting and driving remains one of the most common causes of cell phone accidents. Current research suggests that drivers who are distracted by these devices are so cognitively, manually and visually impaired that they have the same reaction time as individuals who cause alcohol-related accidents. Such impairment often leads to head-on accidents, rear-end accidents and pedestrian accidents.
Advocates for Fair Compensation
Every car accident attorney at Cary J. Wintroub & Associates is prepared to give injured individuals the personalized attention necessary to ensure their claim is successful. If you are unsure what to do after an auto accident, contact our office at (312) 726-1021 to speak with an attorney or schedule a free consultation.
