A driver is distracted when they are not paying full attention to the road, which can be for a wide variety of reasons, including something they see (visual), hear (auditory) or think (cognitive). There may also be a physical distraction that causes them to take their hands off the steering wheel and subsequently lose control of their vehicle.
A motorist may be distracted if they are driving while tired or while under the influence of alcohol, both of which can be classified as cognitive distractions. Given the numerous possible causes of driver distraction, therefore, it is unsurprising that inattention on the part of a driver is a contributory factor in the majority of traffic accidents on UK roads.
Accidents Caused by Drivers Using Mobile Phones
Probably the most common secondary activity that a motorist may pay attention to while driving that is likely to lead to dangerous distraction is using a mobile phone, whether to talk, send texts, or check social media updates. Use of handheld phones while driving was banned in the UK in 2003, but the difficulty of enforcing this law is obvious. Various studies have shown that a driver’s reaction time is reduced by around 50% if they are speaking on the phone, and this applies equally to drivers using handheld phones and hands-free kits. While no statistics exist to clarify how many accidents on the roads are caused by mobile phone usage (it is classified as one of a number of ‘in-vehicle distractions’), it is likely be one of the top causes of road traffic accidents overall.
Driver Inattention Caused by Other In-Vehicle Distractions
Drivers may be distracted visually if they are talking to a passenger in their vehicle or if they are looking at something they are driving past. They may also take their eyes off the road if they are changing music, adjusting their sat nav, looking at a map, eating or drinking, or lighting a cigarette, all actions which can also involve a driver taking at least one hand off the steering wheel. Research indicates that eating or drinking while driving doubles the risk of an accident occurring, and, similar to smoking, eating and drinking are mental as well as physical distractions. Children, and babies in particular, are a common form of distraction for parents while driving, as they will often have to turn their heads to deal with whatever is happening in the back of their vehicle.
Compensation for Road Traffic Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers
Inattention and distraction is one of the main causes of road traffic accidents, with one authoritative US study finding that it was at least a contributory factor in almost 80% of the accidents analysed. Being able to establish that a driver was distracted and not paying proper attention to the road prior to an accident can be an important factor in establishing responsibility and hence legal liability. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that you believe was caused by another driver being distracted for whatever reason, get in touch with our specialist solicitors who will be able to advise and guide you through the claims process.
Solicitors Claiming Compensation for Road Traffic Accidents
Over the last 40 years Bartletts Solicitors has successfully claimed compensation for 1,000’s of road users injured due to reckless and negligent driving. Bartletts have a tradition of commitment, hard work, and the highest levels of expertise in advising people injured due to reckless driving on their legal rights. Client care is our highest priority. Our specialist solicitors ensure that you are always kept up to date with every aspect of your case, and we aim obtain the maximum amount of damages for our clients with the minimum of fuss.
Make a free compensation enquiry today
For specialist advice on your personal injury claim, call us now on Liverpool 0151 227 3391 or Chester 01244 645830 or Wrexham 01978 360056 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.
