Cellphones can be highly distracting in the car. Drivers get distracted while looking at a GPS screen, choosing a playlist, making a call or texting and driving.
As awareness around the dangers of driving distraction has increased, many drivers have attempted to stop using their phone while they are driving their vehicle. But that does not mean that they turn the phone off entirely. Instead, they look for “safe” times to use the phone, such as when they are waiting at a stoplight.
Is this actually safe?
The problem with doing this is that it feels safe to the driver, who thinks that they are paying attention when it matters most. But studies have shown that this is something of an illusion.
The issue is the lingering effect of cognitive distractions. When someone stops using their phone, they are still mentally distracted for an average of 27 more seconds. They are thinking about the route they were planning, the song they chose or the text message they were writing.
As a result, there are drivers who will put their phone down and still make a critical error, such as turning right while a pedestrian is clearly in the crosswalk. The driver is still cognitively distracted, even though they would claim that they put their phone down and were operating their vehicle safely.
Seeking compensation
When drivers make these types of critical mistakes, others can suffer severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. Individuals in this position need to know how to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills and more.