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A distracted driver can be as dangerous as a drunk driver

Posted on April 20, 2015 in

Distracted driving has become one of the major causes of car accidents in the Denver area. Physical, audio/cognitive and visual distractions while on the road can lead to serious consequences, including severe injuries and deaths.

Physical distractions are typically those that require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel. Common physical distractions include eating, changing the radio, applying makeup, and reaching for items in the car. Children and pets are also common physical distractions.

Visual distractions require a driver to take his or her eyes off the road. Many drivers have caused collisions while reading, watching movies, or looking at the GPS. Audio distractions, such as conversations, music and books on tape are also responsible for some road accidents.

Cell phones in particular are responsible for a number of these accidents and can fall under all three of these distraction categories. Statistics show that in 2012, approximately 1.3 million car accidents involved cell phones. Texting and driving is banned in Colorado, but still manages to be the most pervasive form of distracted driving. It has also proven to be extremely dangerous, making a crash 23 times more likely to occur. In fact, texting and driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Over 75 percent of teen drivers have admitted to texting and driving, making them the most likely group to do so.

Anyone injured by a distracted driver has the right to sue that driver for negligence. Consulting a local Colorado personal injury law firm can be the first step toward obtaining fair compensation.