Distracting Technology that can Lead to Car Accidents

. Many different technological devices cause accidents due to distracted driving¹ and injured victims have the right to recover for their losses from the distracted driver.

Some devices and programs that regularly lead to collisions include the following:

Smartphones – Smartphones are perhaps the most ubiquitous technological device of this day and age. Many individuals are attached to these handheld devices and feel the need to be connected to others via text and social media at all times, which can include while driving. Texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, and other activities can cause cognitive, manual, and visual distractions that can lead to serious collisions.

GPS systems – GPS systems are helpful because they eliminate the need to constantly refer to a paper map or to printed directions while driving, which can be very distracting. However, many drivers choose to program a GPS or change a route while the vehicle is moving. This also causes cognitive manual and visual distraction.

In-car infotainment systems – Many auto manufacturers now install these systems into their vehicles. They can give directions, play music, and answer phone calls. Also, they can send messages, and much more. Because these systems are voice-controlled, they are intended to give drivers a hands-free option. That way they can do all of these tasks so they do not have to use their smartphones. However, even using their voice to control these systems can cause significant, cognitive distraction.²  In fact, drivers check the screens, which causes them to take their eyes off the road.

Smartwatches Help.

Smartwatches – Smartwatches are worn on the wrist and are intended to be another alternative to holding a smartphone. These watches give alerts for phone calls, emails, text messages, reminders, and more. Though they don’t have as much functioning capabilities as some phones. But they still require a driver to look at their wrist and take their hands off the wheel to use the touchscreen.

Radio– even talking to your passenger are just as distracting. The bottom line is when you are driving your focus should only be on your surroundings.

Proving that a driver was not focused on the road at the time of a collision can be challenging. It is critical to have an auto accident attorney handling your case. And it must be one who knows how to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your collision. Also, he or she must be able to identify any possible evidence of distracted driving. Last, they must look for other forms of negligence.

¹http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html

²http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-aaa-hands-free-driving-ratings-biz-1007-20141006-story.html