In the United States, about nine people die every day following road accidents that involve distracted drivers. 21% of teen drivers involved in car accidents were driving while distracted by their phones.
Which driving environment is especially dangerous for a distracted driver? The answer is a complex risk environment. If you are in an accident that involves a distracted driver, contact Los Angeles car accident attorneys as soon as possible. They will help you pursue a fair compensation.
Understanding Distracted Driving
Distracted driving means engaging in a non-driving activity that demands your attention while you are driving. Most drivers who engage in distracted driving are aware of the possible consequences.
There are three main types of distracted driving; cognitive, visual, and manual.
Visual distractions take the eyes of the driver away from the road. Cognitive distractions take the mind of a driver away from the road and manual distractions take their hands away from the steering wheel.
Texting while driving is one of the most common and most dangerous forms of distracted driving. It involves all three types of distraction. When reading a text message, you are visually distracted. When typing the message, there is a cognitive and manual distraction.
Which Driving Environment Is Especially Dangerous for a Distracted Driver?
Complex risk environments are the most dangerous environments for distracted drivers. These are places with heavy traffic flow and volume.
In this environment, it may be difficult to predict traffic. In complex risk environments, it is very important for drivers to pay attention to the road. They should be able to determine right-of-way and look out for road hazards. Being distracted endangers the lives of other road users.
In complex risk environments, there are increased driving difficulties. If a driver is distracted, it may be difficult for them to drive defensively. It may be impossible for them to anticipate potential risks.
Some of the most common examples of complex risk environments include; major expressways, multi-lane roads, and intersections.
When driving in complex risk environments, drivers should avoid all types of distractions. Even the smallest distractions and driving errors can have severe consequences.
Intersections are some of the riskiest places for drivers. If one driver fails to notice the presence of another, they are likely to cause a collision. 27% of fatal crashes happen at intersections. About 47% of collisions that happen at intersections result in injuries.
Preventing Accidents in Complex Risk Environments
- Communicate your intentions to other road users
- Watch out for potential road hazards
- Follow the right-of-way-laws
- Maintain an open line of sight and travel path
- Anticipate the behavior of other road users
- Avoid all types of distractions
Plenty of people die from negligent driving and many others are injured every day. With the right measures in place, accidents can be prevented. If you are looking for Los Angeles car accident attorneys, consider working with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. We have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in personal injury suits. Contact us today and get a free consultation.