Encountering a distracted driver in Louisiana can cause an auto accident with injuries and fatalities. This is why the number of people who are driving while distracted across the nation is troubling.
Studies are examining these issues, and one recent research project found that drivers who use hands-free devices are not at higher risk for being in a crash. This can be an important factor after an accident when victims are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and more.
In the study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), drivers who used hands-free devices could safely make calls and continue to drive safely. However, the study found that browsing the internet or sending texts, behaviors distracted drivers tend to take part in, continue to be problems even with hands-free devices.
In the study, there were nearly 3,500 drivers who were analyzed. Over 900 cases in the study involved accidents, with 275 of them being serious. To compare, the authors looked at drivers who were texting and driving and changing radio stations. When drivers were using hand-held devices, the chance of an accident multiplied by 2, to 3.5, as opposed to drivers who were attentive. With a combination of secondary tasks that impacted cognitive awareness, there was a higher risk for an accident, but it was not as substantial.
Distracted driving is a major concern for everyone on the road, and this research shows that drivers would be well-served and safer if they used hands-free devices when behind the wheel. Unfortunately, some will not think it is necessary or believe they can drive and use their device for multiple purposes and do so safely.
They are wrong, of course, and such drivers often have car accidents causing injuries and death. After a distracted driving auto accident, having legal assistance can be helpful to victims.
