Distracted Driving While On the Job

A lot of car crash victims approach us with cases where an accident occurred while the at-fault driver was on the job. Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes. Reports have shown that the number one cause of death in the workplace is car accidents, so the dangers extend to those drivers who are on the job. In an effort to keep highways and interstates safe from car accidents caused by those people driving company vehicles as well as those workers on the clock, some states have implemented a Cell Phone Policy Assessment Tool. The assessment compares best practice safety policies to your employer's distracted driving policy in an effort to protect employees from crashes caused by being distracted. Once the assessment is completed, a report is provided with risk valuation, helpful resources and improvement suggestions.

Driving and Multitasking: It's All a Myth

Too many drivers tend to believe that they can multi-task when they are behind the wheel. But this can lead to serious car accidents. Just the same way it's almost impossible to have a conversation on the phone while reading a book, trying to do the same while driving is just as distracting. Statistics have proven that you are four times more likely to be involved in a distracted driving accident when talking on a mobile phone, as opposed to non-distracted driving. Checking your phone's GPS, sending text messages or sending and checking emails while driving is just as hazardous, if not more so, since it means you have to take your eyes off the road. Just a single second of looking away from the road and cause an accident.

Other Forms of Distracted Driving

Phones are not the only method of distracted driving. A lot of accidents have been caused by other types of distraction, including turning around to the back seat, reading or even reaching for moving objects, like a bottle rolling on the floor of the car. It has been reported that each of these types of distractions can leave a driver at significantly more risk of being involved in an accident. In fact, reading increases the odds of having a crash by 3.4 and reaching for objects or turning around increased the odds by 8.8.

Everyone is Responsible for Safety

Essentially, every driver should avoid any form of distracted driving, when they are behind the wheel. Whether you're on the job or driving for personal reasons, it is every driver's responsibility to make the roadways safer. If everybody took driving with distractions more seriously and made a conscious effort to avoid such distractions, a real difference could be made to vehicle safety in our state.

Do You Need An Attorney?

Of course, not every kind of accident can be avoided. If you have been involved in a car accident when the at-fault driver was distracted while on the job, contact Clore Law for a consultation and to discuss any claims you may be entitled to. You can all the firm at 843-722-8070.