Distracted driving is dangerous no matter how you look at it. It can lead to serious car accidents, injuries and even death and remains a serious danger on our roadways. Drivers should be familiar with what is considered distracted driving, and refrain from such behavior, and victims of distracted drivers should know how they are protected.
What is considered distracted driving?
Distracted driving includes a variety of different behaviors. The most serious distracted driving behaviors include cell phone use and texting while driving. Other forms of distracted driving can include:
- Eating and drinking while driving;
- Talking to passengers while driving;
- Grooming while driving;
- Reading while driving, including reading a map;
- Using a navigation system while driving;
- Watching a video while driving; or
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player while driving.
Distracted driving is a safety concern on roadways throughout the country and in New Jersey and kills friends, families and other loved ones. From 2012 to 2016, distracted driving was considered a factor in 800,000 car accidents in New Jersey. During 2017, 3,166 victims were killed in distracted driving accidents throughout the country.
In addition to legal penalties that distracted drivers may face, they may also face civil liability to victims. Victims may be able to recover compensation for physical, financial and emotional damages through a personal injury claim for damages following a car accident caused by a distracted driver. Victims of distracting driving accidents should be familiar with these vital legal protections when they have been harmed by the negligence of a distracted driver.