Texting while driving is dangerous for drivers and for those they share the roadways with. Texting while driving can lead to car accidents that may result in devastating injuries and harm to car accident victims that they may have to live with for the rest of their lives.
Texting and driving is considered the most serious form of distracted driving that drivers can engage in. Of the wide variety of distracted driving behaviors drivers may engage in, texting while driving involves cognitive, visual and manual distraction which is what makes it exceptionally dangerous. While all distracted driving behaviors are serious, and can create a risk of car accidents, texting while driving is particularly dangerous.
There are three categories of distracted driving behaviors including those that involve cognitive distractions which remove the driver’s focus from the roadway; visual distractions which remove the driver’s eyes from the roadway; and manual distractions which remove the driver’s hands from the steering wheel. Additional types of distracted driving behaviors include operating a navigation device or radio while driving; eating, grooming or reading while driving; engaging with passengers while driving; or talking on the phone while driving.
When a car accident victim has been injured by a distracted driver, important legal protections are available to help them recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages. Damages can include help with medical expenses, lost wages and for the pain and suffering damages commonly associated with an unexpected car accident caused by a negligent or distracted driver. It is important for car accident victims to be familiar with these protections.