Distracted driving takes attention away from driving, whether visual, manual, or cognitive. Distraction driving is serious and growing in Alaska. According to authorities, most accidents occur because drivers are texting, adjusting controls, or daydreaming. Such behavior is an unacceptable breach of the duty of care, a legal responsibility to drive responsibly.
The Nature of Distracted Driving
The three main types of distracted driving are visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions would involve checking your phone, GPS, or something else, taking your eyes off the road. Manual distractions are when your hands leave the steering wheel, like eating or adjusting air conditioning. Cognitive distractions happen when your mind wanders, such as thinking deeply or talking to someone.
The most common result of these distractions is that drivers cannot react to sudden traffic changes, making it more likely that they will have an accident. Distracted drivers often do not see important road hazards, and accidents are much more common. Talk to a car accident lawyer group if a distracted driver causes your accident.
Legal Implications of Distracted Driving
Alaska drivers have a legal duty to drive their vehicles safely and reasonably. A negligence case occurs when drivers breach this duty by becoming distracted. Drivers who suffer accidents while distracted driving are at risk of civil and criminal penalties.
At the very least, civil liability can require the payment of damages for injuries or damage to property caused by an accident. In the case of killed or injured people as a result of distracted driving, it can increase the chance of getting criminal charges as well. It could lead to traffic citations, license suspensions, or even vehicular manslaughter charges. An experienced Alaska car accident attorney can help hold the at-fault motorist liable and represent you in court.
The Impact of Distracted Driving on Society
Distracted driving devastates emotionally families who lose loved ones or suffer horrible injuries. Victims suffer from lifelong disabilities, chronic pain, or physical trauma.
Expensive medical treatments and ongoing care needs can quickly cost individuals and families far more than they can afford financially. On a grander time scale, society pays these costs through padded healthcare bills, lawsuits, and insurance premiums. Distracted driving also impacts public health and burdens our emergency and medical services across Alaska.
Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
A few strategies are in place to combat distracted driving. But technological advances, including hands-free devices and monitoring systems that alert drivers when they are distracted, are helping to reduce that dangerous behavior. The state then leads public awareness campaigns on how distracted driving is dangerous and what safe habits to form.
Furthermore, stricter laws and penalties were passed to tackle distracted driving. These legislative efforts and educational programs are all efforts to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents on Alaska’s roads.
Distracted driving is a clear breach of the duty of care drivers owe to other people on the road. It can be devastating emotionally, physically, or financially. Tech innovation, public education, and legal measures can reduce the toll of distracted driving. If you’ve been in an accident because of distracted driving, consulting with an accident attorney can guide you on your rights and what to do.
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