Distracted driving has been in the news in Massachusetts lately, as the state legislature considers a distracted driving bill. Currently, there are restrictions on distracted driving in Massachusetts and it is important for drivers to understand what distracted driving is and that they may be civilly liable to victims they injure in a distracted driving-related car accident.
Distracted driving is dangerous activity that places drivers, passengers and those they share the roadway with in danger. This blog recently discussed the dangers of eating while driving, and that eating while driving is considered distracted driving behavior. Unfortunately, there are a variety of behaviors drivers engage in each day that are considered dangerous distracted driving behaviors. Distracted driving behaviors include any activity drivers engage in that removes their attention and focus from the roadway while driving.
Distracted driving behaviors generally fall into three categories: visual, manual and cognitive distraction. Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous distracted driving behavior because it combines all three types of distracted driving behaviors. Distracted driving behaviors remove the driver’s attention and focus from driving, hands from the wheel and eyes from roadway. Distracted driving includes cellphone use, operating a navigation device while driving, reading while driving, grooming while driving and other behaviors as well.
Victims of distracted drivers may be able to recover compensation for damages they suffer because of a negligent or distracted driver. As a result, victims should be familiar with personal injury legal protections available to help them recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages suffered in a distracted driving accident.
