Dangers of Emotional Driving and Other Distractions While Driving

Our lives are filled with hills and valleys and in between these ups and downs of life, we need to keep on driving – even on bad days. We drive when we’re feeling sick, tired, mad, sad, and glad.  However, did you know that feeling overly emotional or agitated when you drive can be as distracting as trying to balance a hot cup of coffee, talk on the phone, text, or reach for the radio controls?

In fact, researchers at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute conducted a study that came up with some startling results about emotions and distracted driving; drivers who feel emotions like extreme anger or sadness are ten times more likely to get into an accident than an emotionally stable driver.  The researchers also studied the effects of distracted driving in general. Their findings stated that drivers increase their chance of getting into a crash by 50 percent when they are distracted.  Furthermore, the researchers found that drivers typically engage in distracting behavior while driving half the time they get behind the wheel.  Many of these distracted drivers, the study found, are younger generations of drivers, particularly teenagers.

Being a distracted driver means your eyes are not on the road at all times.  Eating a taco and trying to drive at the same time is like playing Russian Roulette with the road. The same goes for driving while crying or feeling another intense emotion, like rage.  Anything that takes your attention from the road and the task of driving in general, such as turning around to talk to someone in the back seat to reaching for a ringing phone or feeling agitated, dramatically increases your chance of an unavoidable car accident.

If you or someone who love has been injured in a car accident because of a distracted driver, there are actions you can take. In fact, holding a distracted driver liable for your injuries is within the law.  At Hastings and Hastings, we have the experience to see your case financially resolved. You probably have many questions, such as how you will pay your bills while you recover and how long it will take to see compensation. You may have questions about the particular injury you sustained. We can answer these questions and more.  Let our team take care of the financial aspects of your case while you focus on recovering.  For help getting just compensation for injuries caused by a distracted driver, call our compassionate and experienced legal team at 800-975-0080 for a free no-obligation consultation. Our friendly team of experts are here to listen to your story and be your voice to fight for the compensation you deserve.