Emotionally Distracted Driving Leads to Collisions, Study Says

March 4, 2016 Posted in Car Accident Claim, Personal Injury, The Villages News, Villages Auto Accident Attorney, Wrongful Death Share

Recent research from Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute found that emotionally charged driving greatly increases one’s risk for becoming involved in an accident. The study found that operating a vehicle while visibly sad, angry or agitated increases the odds of being in a crash nearly tenfold. ABC News recently reported on the Virginia Tech study’s findings, saying that more than a third of the nation’s 11 million annual crashes could be prevented if distractions behind the wheel were eliminated.

The following are a few of the driver distractions that the study looked at.

Dangerous Distractions Behind The Wheel

• Smart phones
• Adjusting climate control
• Eating while driving
• Using the car’s touch-screen display
• Reaching for an out-of-reach object
• Dialing a cell phone

The researchers at Virginia Tech found that the best drivers are alert, attentive and sober - no surprise there. It goes without saying that to be an alert and safe driver you must be sober. We have all been in situations where a driver in front of us slams on the brakes or does something unpredictable. Alert drivers are best equipped to handle these scenarios and maneuver safely out of a dangerous situation. If you are distracted, you will not be able to react quickly in the event of an emergency. Drivers need to also understand that buzzed driving is still drunk driving. Just one drink can be one drink too many, and even if you are not over the legal limit, you are still impacting your ability to be alert and attentive behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving Accidents in The Villages

Whether you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a distracted driver, drunk driver or emotionally charged driver, it is always a good idea to speak with a Villages Auto Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton about your case as soon as possible. Call us today at 352-369-5334 for a free consultation.