Driver Inattention Remains A Major Cause of Auto Accidents In California

In the State of California alone, there are over 485,000 traffic collisions each year, which result in an average of 4,000 deaths and 275,0000 injuries annually.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 80% of all vehicle crashes throughout the United States involve some form of driver inattention.

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP , our Whittier auto accident attorneys know that when these collisions are caused by the driver inattention, other drivers and their passengers are placed in immediate danger every second the distracted driver takes their attention away from the road.

Drivers can be distracted by averting their attention away from the road to countless things inside or outside of the vehicle.

Some of the most common causes of distracted driver motor vehicle accidents can include:

• Adjusting vehicle controls, including the air conditioner, windshield wipers, and lights;
• Children, pets, and other passengers in the car;
• Eating or drinking;
• Focusing on motor vehicle accidents or other emergencies or distractions occurring outside the vehicle;
• Operating electronic devices, including the stereo equipment or GPS devices;
• Smoking;
• Talking on a cellphone, even while using a Bluetooth device; and
• Texting.

Any secondary action that takes a driver’s  visual, physical, or cognitive attention away from the task of safe driving can cause a serious traffic accident that can lead to catastrophic injuries.

Tips to Avoid Inattention & Distracted Driving In Whittier, California

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our personal injury attorneys in Whittier, California know that people commonly count on using the time they have in their vehicles to get things done.

Unfortunately, even though commutes may be long or traffic unbearable, there could not be a worse time to take your attention away from the sole task of driving — even if you are idling in traffic or at a stoplight.

All drivers must always pay attention while operating a motor vehicle.

Some tips to ensure that is true can include:

• Avoid eating, drinking, or grooming while driving;
• Familiarize yourself with your car’s features;
• Minimize distractions by safely storing all objects and securely fastening children and pets;
• Minimize stress and avoid difficult or emotional conversations while driving;
• Program devices and vehicle settings in advance; and
• Silence or turn off your cellphone.

If you have been injured in an accident with an inattentive or distracted driver, contact our personal injury attorneys Whittier by calling (562)698-6446 to schedule a free consultation today. We will investigate your collision and assess your injuries to pursue the negligent party who caused the traffic collision, so you can focus on getting the medical care you deserve.