Since the invention of the automobile, people have found many ways to multitask while driving. While in the beginning distracted driving had more to do with eating, drinking, talking with passengers, or reading maps, today's distracted driving has become significantly worse thanks to advances in modern technology.
What is distracted driving? While it still includes the above mentioned distractions, today's distracted driving is so much more. Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes your eyes (visual distraction) off the road, your hands (manual distraction) off the wheel, or your mind (cognitive distraction) off the primary task of driving.
How serious is the problem? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic in America and in 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed in a distracted driving crash, and another 421,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes.
Common examples of distracted driving, include:
- Grooming
- Talking to passengers
- Sending and reading text messages
- Talking on a cell phone
- Operating a navigational system
- Changing stations on the radio
- Using a CD player
- Reading while driving
- Eating or drinking while driving
While all forms of driver distraction increase your chances of a collision, texting while driving is by far the most alarming form of driver distraction there is. This is because texting while driving involves all three forms of driver distraction: manual, visual and cognitive.
New Jersey's Laws on Texting While Driving
New Jersey is one of the states that has enacted a statewide handheld ban for all drivers, and a statewide ban for texting for all drivers. While these laws are an excellent start, unfortunately thousands of drivers violate the law every day, and they text despite the statewide bans meant to protect New Jersey motorists and passengers.
If you were injured by a distracted driver, we urge you to contact Bergen County Personal Injury Attorney Brandon J. Broderick. In a free case evaluation, Attorney Broderick can explain your legal options and steer you in the right direction.