Cellphone use behind the wheel is one of the most common causes of distracted driving. Even when it is expressly prohibited, many people will still use their phone to make calls, take photos or videos, or send and receive text messages. This often leads to them causing serious car accidents.
The first problem is the visual distraction. When someone is looking at their phone, they are naturally not looking at the road. Even glancing back and forth limits their field of view significantly. They often overlook key issues like traffic slowing down ahead of them or a stoplight turning red. But there are two other ways in which cellphones simultaneously create driving distractions.
The physical distraction
First and foremost, many people who use their phone in the car are holding it in one hand. This means they only have one hand left to hold the steering wheel, use the blinkers, use the windshield wipers, adjust the lights or take any other key steps. This physical distraction limits their control over the vehicle and can lead to mistakes, like not signaling a turn.
The cognitive distraction
Finally, a person who is using their phone is mentally engaged with whatever they are doing on their device. They may be thinking about what to write in a text message or what the contents of a message they received mean for them. Mentally, they shift their focus away from the road and the changing traffic conditions.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, perhaps because they were on their phone? If so, you may have a right to seek substantial compensation for medical bills and other damages.