Michigan has enacted several laws over the past decade to combat increased distracted driving. Distracted driving has surpassed drunk driving as the number one cause of motor vehicle deaths in Michigan. There are many reasons for the increase in distracted driving. But whatever the reason, a negligent driver can cause serious injuries. When this occurs, it is important to have a great Detroit car accident lawyer on your side who understands how to handle distracted driving crashes.
Below are 7 common reasons for distracted driving accidents in Michigan.
1. Talking on a Cell Phone
With the increase in smartphones and cell phone use, people are multitasking more than ever while driving. One activity that has become the norm is talking on a cell phone. While many states, including Michigan, require a person to speak “hands free” while using a cell phone, the distraction remains. In fact, according to one recent study, 34% of all drivers who crashed interacted with their cell phone in the minute before the crash. This is especially prevalent in Detroit and is the main cause of car accidents in the city and metro Detroit.
This same study found increases in distracted driving caused an additional 420,000 crashes, 1,000 fatalities, and $10 billion in damages to the US economy in 2022.
2. Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is extremely dangerous. The driver is not focused on traffic, in particular sudden stops, a vehicle turning, or changes in traffic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed! Think about how much can change on the road during this time.
3. Playing with Apps and Social Media
A growing distraction is the use of social media apps by drivers while operating their cars or trucks. More and more people are looking at Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and other apps instead of keeping 100% focused on the road. A driver who takes her eyes off the road for even 2 seconds to look at an app is significantly more likely to cause the following crashes:
- Rear-end accident
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Head-on collision
- T-bone collision
4. Talking with Passengers
Talking and having conversations with passengers is always part of driving. It is great for passing time and helps people get to school, jobs, and various appointments. But it is important the driver maintains eye contact with the road on the road. Conversations with a passenger can divert a driver’s attention. It is especially dangerous when traffic is bad, it is snowing or raining, the road is icy, or while driving in a construction zone.
5. Reaching for an Item or Controlling an Animal
We have all been there. Your cell phone or something else falls from the dashboard or your lap. While you are driving, you reach over to grab the item and pick it up. Or you are driving with your dog in the passenger seat and he or she cannot keep still. These activities are distracting because they take the driver’s eyes off the road.
While driving with an animal, make sure your furry friend is in a restraint or crate. A dog should never be able to move around freely inside the vehicle. It is dangerous for both people and the animal.
6. Adjusting Audio and or Climate Controls
Changing the radio station while driving has always been a distraction. But with the proliferation of touchscreen-based audio and climate controls, what use to take a second now becomes an entire project.
If you need to adjust your climate controls, such as turning on a defroster, pumping the air conditioning, or turning up the heat, make sure these options are pre-set. Most vehicles now allow for various pre-set options, such as radio stations and heating sensors.
7. Eating or Drinking
Eating or drinking causes the driver to only use one hand while driving. It also places the focus of the driver on not spilling rather than driving carefully. Eating or drinking any type of beverage while driving is distracting. But having to use both hands to eat a sandwich, or clean up a spill, is outright dangerous. In Detroit, a police officer can pull a driver over and issue a citation for eating or drinking while driving. The fine is more than $100.
It is important never to eat and drive. If you are in a rush, pull over and take five minutes to eat and finish your meal. Make sure all wrappers and other items are cleaned up so they don’t cause a distraction later on.
Distracted Driving – Detroit Car Accident Lawyers
The Detroit car accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm specialize in auto accidents caused by distracted driving. We work to obtain the evidence needed to prove the other driver was not focused on the road. This can include:
- Subpoenaing the cell phone records of the driver
- Obtaining dash cam evidence
- Retrieving surveillance video
- Requesting the metadata and radio tower location for the cell phones inside the at-fault vehicle at the time of the crash.
Call our Detroit distracted driving accident lawyers at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-503-3043) or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form. And remember, you pay nothing until we settle your case.
