When a person is given a driver’s license by the state of Maryland, they must follow the rules of the road. This requires them to give the road their undivided attention and not act negligently behind the wheel. While this is true, there are many people who continue to break the law and engage in the following negligent actions while driving:
Texting
The increase in smartphones over the last decade has resulted in more people using their phone while operating a car. A Pew Research report showed that 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone. This is a 35 percent increase from 2011. People who use their phones while driving do not have their eyes on the road and are therefore distracted, increasing their chance of being involved in an accident
Eating and Drinking
Almost everyone has had a moment where they eat or drink as they are driving. While it seems common and harmless, it is considered negligence because it requires taking one hand off the wheel, thus impairing their full ability to drive. Studies show that this is just as deadly as texting and driving.
Personal Grooming
Especially during rush hour traffic, it is unfortunately common to find many people who try to multitask while they are driving. This can include putting on makeup or checking their teeth in the rearview mirror while on the way to work. However, this requires the driver to take their eyes off of the road, putting themselves in danger of colliding with another car.
Talking to Passengers
When passengers are in the car, it is hard to not engage in conversation. While this seems like just another harmless activity, it is still a distraction that can cause an accident. Federal data shows that over half of distracted driving accidents happen because the driver was engaging with passengers.
Using a GPS
You can be hard pressed to find a person who does not use electronic navigation methods in this day and age. This can include a GPS device or navigation apps on a phone. While they are helpful tools, they still require the driver to take their attention away from the road, thus increasing the possibility for an accident to happen.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you love was injured in a personal injury accident and wish to speak with an experienced attorney, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
