distracted driving that can impair drivers’
ability to recognize and respond to possible
roadway hazards.
Distracted driving-related car accidents kill more than 9 people and injured approximately 1,060 other individuals every day in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In fact, about 1 out of every 5 car accidents that resulted in injuries was caused by at least one distracted driver.
In recent years, much of the focus associated with the problem of distracted driving has been geared towards the use of cellphones when driving, and many states have instituted partial or full bans when it comes to cellphone use when driving in order to try to curb this form of distracted driving. However, eating while driving can be a just as dangerous form of distracted driving, and this still-legal practice is a factor in many car accidents that occur in the U.S. each year.
Why is Eating While Driving Dangerous?
Some of the reasons that eating while driving is so risky are that it:
- Prevents drivers from keeping both hands on the steering wheel – and, in many cases, causes drivers to try to steer with their knees, which is particularly dangerous
- Takes drivers eyes off of the road
- Prevent them from noticing changes in the road conditions and/or important signs of potential danger, such as key road signs, changing signals and/or other drivers weaving in and out of lanes
- Can slow down drivers’ reaction times and prevent them from making the necessary maneuvers in order to avoid car accidents.
When drivers who are eating also happen to be intoxicated, fatigued and/or inexperienced, the risk of distracted driving-related car accidents increases significantly because it is far more likely that these drivers will have an impaired ability to notice and properly react to changing roadway conditions.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been hurt in a car accident or in any type of motor vehicle accident, contact the St. Louis car accident lawyers at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. We have a long-standing commitment to serving our clients, and we are experienced at aggressively defending our clients’ rights in any legal setting. Our goal is to preserve and promote the rights and welfare of individuals and families who have suffered injuries and losses and/or who need help navigating through the complexities of the court system.
Since 1993, our lawyers have been successfully representing our clients in various areas of personal injury litigation, including car accident lawsuits. Our unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice in every case we handle means that we will work relentlessly to help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes to their cases. One of our primary goals is to help accident victims secure the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and losses so they can focus on their recovery and moving on with their lives.
For a free initial consult, email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen and/or to call us at 573-333-3333 for our Missouri office or at 618-888-8888 for our Illinois office.
