If you are old enough, you will remember a time when no one had a phone in their vehicle. The chances of making or taking a call while driving, let alone reading or replying to a message or email, were zero, and people accepted that others would not be contactable if they were driving.
Now people are so used to being constantly in touch and getting instant replies that they don’t consider the dangers of staying in touch with someone who is driving. Calling or messaging someone for a chat or to tell them to pick up something from the grocery store while they are heading home in their car puts them and others in danger. The same applies to sending someone an email so they can read it or have the hands-free system read it to them as they drive to an upcoming meeting.
Most vehicles now come with advanced technology that allows you to control your phone on the move without touching it or even needing to look at it. This removes the need for you to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes from the road, both of which could make it more likely you crash. Yet these hands-free systems are not as safe as people think.
Cognitive distraction
Drivers need to give their full attention to the road when driving. Someone outside the car contacting them will take part of their attention away from the road to another place entirely. It takes a second’s distraction to crash, and most contact will hold their attention for far longer than that.
Those injured by distracted drivers need to learn about their rights to compensation. Getting experienced legal guidance is a good place to start.