Technology
is a huge part of today's society and many Americans do not like to separate themselves
from their devices, even while they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Distracted drivers1 can cause devastating accidents and
should be held responsible for any injuries they cause to others. Contacting a skilled California distracted driving accident lawyer is important to ensure
injured victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Some
examples of technological devices or programs that commonly cause collisions
can include:
Smartphones
– Cell phones have
evolved into mini-computers that allow us to stay connected to work, family,
and friends via social media, text, and email at all times. Often, drivers feel
such a need to stay connected that they email, text, send other messages,
update statuses, or browse social media or the Internet while they are driving.
Because these activities result in visual, manual, and cognitive distractions,
they are considered to be one of the most dangerous driving distractions.
Smartwatches
– These wrist
watches provide an alternative to using a handheld smartphone or mobile device,
as they provide notifications for texts, emails, phone calls, and reminders
that are communicated from your phone via Bluetooth. While many consider a
smartwatch to be less distracting than a phone, it still requires drivers to
take their eyes off the road to read notifications and to remove their hand
from the steering wheel due to the touch screen. Therefore, these watches still
cause substantial distractions.
Infotainment
systems – As
another alternative to using handheld devices, car manufacturers have begun
installing in-car infotainment systems into vehicles. These systems allow a
driver to use their voice to control their music, use a GPS, answer or make
phone calls, send or listen to texts or emails, and more. Simply because a
driver is using their voice instead of their hands to control the system does
not mean that the driver is not still distracted, however. Reports indicate that these systems
can still cause cognitive and visual distractions2 and lead to accidents.
Proving
that a driver was distracted at the time of a collision so that you can recover
for your losses can be complicated. It is important to have an experienced
California distracted driving accident attorney handling your case.
Steven M. Sweat, APC
5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450
Los Angeles, CA 90036
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