Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in the United States. Too many motorists fail to see the danger of multi-tasking behind the wheel. This results in over 8,000 accidents a day that are directly tied to distracted driving (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Distracted driving accidents can be caused by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, texting, talking on the phone, eating, putting on makeup, reading, looking at a construction site, and even other passengers in the vehicle.
Children in the backseat of vehicles are one of the biggest causes of distracted driving — especially for new parents.
“Turning around to talk to children in the backseat is the number one cause of distracted driving for parents,” says Mike Wyatt, auto accident attorney. “Busy parents who assist their children with food and drinks while driving is also a major safety hazard. It can have serious consequences that result in severe injury and even death.”
New parents are at a high risk for driving distracted because of the demands of their schedules and the needs of their children. Moms and dads text, talk on the phone, play music or movies to calm children, and look for Binkys and toys that drop to the floor. All of this multi-tasking happens while they frantically run errands, or drive their kids to school or daycare. New parents are also fatigued due to lack of sleep, which further contributes to distracted driving.
“New mothers on average only get 5 hours and 20 minutes of sleep per night. They also drive on average 150 miles per week,” says Mike. “Studies have shown that new parents who drive distracted are 3 times more likely to be involved in an auto accident. They need to be more organized behind the wheel, take a deep breath, and concentrate on the road for the safety of both themselves and their children.”
If you have been injured in an auto accident or have more questions regarding distracted driving, please contact the professionals of Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys. Our auto accident attorneys are ready to assist you!
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