New Study Sheds Light on Cellphones and Car Accidents

Erie PA Car Accident Lawyer - Distracted Driver

A new research study has findings indicated that distracted drivers were the cause behind two-thirds of crashes. Although this is not a new finding on its own from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the researchers did identify an additional element that could impact crash likelihood: emotions.

The Impact of Emotional Distractions While Driving

The research study managers identified that drivers were much more likely to be distracted when they were experiencing one of the following emotions: anger, sadness, or agitation. One of the challenges in learning more about the role that distraction plays before an accident has to do with the fact that it’s difficult to capture all the factors happening in the moments before an accident. That’s why this research study used cameras to track these critical moments.

More than 3,500 drivers were involved in the study over the course of three years. The volunteers equipped their cars with video recorders and devices gathering details like location and speed. The researchers look in total at 905 car accidents, finding that as many as three-quarters of these crashes has to do with an error of some kind and that drivers were distracted in these incidents as much as 70 percent of time.

The researchers dug a little deeper to identify the “most distracting” activities:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Handling a cell phone
  • Reaching for something
  • Using dashboard touchscreen menus

Injured By, or In An Accident With a Distracted Driver?

Anyone who has been seriously injured in a car accident where the other driver was distracted can attest to the damage a car accident like this can cause. Costly medical expenses, general pain, and a lot of missed time at work are just some of the common repercussions of a major car crash. Thankfully, you do have options if you are injured by a distracted driver. You have the insight of an Erie car accident attorney to help evaluate the situation and determine the best way to proceed with your case – best of all, your initial consultation is absolutely free. Find out what your legal options are after a serious car accident. Having an attorney who is committed to working with you from start to finish goes a long way in aiding your recovery.