Florida drivers know that using a cell phone while driving can be risky, even dangerous, and that it can lead to an increased chance of a serious car accident. In order to avoid holding their phones while driving, many people use a hands-free device to talk while behind the wheel. These devices may seem safer, but in reality, they can still be quite distracting.
Distraction is distraction, whether it is the result of concentrating on a conversation on a hands-free device or manually typing a text message while driving. A driver with both hands on the wheel can still be distracted by using a hands-free device, and he or she could cause an accident due to cognitive distraction.
Hands-free does not mean safer
Many people subscribe to the thought that a hands-free device means that it is safer to use than holding the phone. Even a cell phone conversation can be distracting, simply because a driver’s mind is not focusing on the most important task at the moment: driving safely. Consider the following about distraction and hands-free devices:
- Distraction is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents, which includes cognitive (mental) distraction.
- People are lulled into a false sense of safety by assuming they can multitask while driving, but the brain doesn’t work like that.
- The brain’s image processing functions can decrease by one-third while a driver is talking on the phone, even a hands-free device.
- While talking on the phone, a driver can miss approximately 50 percent of what is happening around the vehicle, even while looking out of the windshield.
Simply put, hands-free is not risk-free. If you suffered injuries because of a distracted driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your financial losses and other expenses, as well as your emotional and mental duress.
Holding distracted drivers accountable
Distracted drivers are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road. There is no excuse for this type of negligent behavior, and even a driver using a hands-free device is capable of inflicting serious damage on innocent motorists since they are not necessarily safer to use.
If you suffered because of this misconception, you do not have to suffer through it alone. If you believe that you may have a valid claim for compensation against a distracted driver, you would be wise to take quick action to protect your interests.
