7 driver distractions that cause accidents when you least expect it – Newburgh Accident Attorney Series

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NEWBURGH, NY – Rear end collisions account for one out of six of car accident claims. They are the second most frequent accident type.

And according to Risk Management News, Nearly 40% of all dollars paid out on automobile claims are connected to rear end collisions. The cost of each claim, on average, is over $13,000.

What is the most likely cause of these accidents? Distracted driving, more than any other factor, is responsible for the majority of rear end collisions.

Most drivers are at least somewhat aware that operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol adds an extremely increased risk of serious injury or loss of life.

But what about otherwise responsible drivers who are just going about their daily routine?

Serious accidents often happen when they are least expected, when drivers may feel that they are not taking any real risks.

The ‘Big 7′ driver distractions

If you look into the types of distractions at play in most rear end collisions, chances are it’s one of the ‘Big 7 Driver Distractions’:

Each of these distractions increase likelihood of a car accident:

  • Reaching or looking for items in the car
  • Rubbernecking
  • Cell phone use while driving (drivers on cell phones are 4 times more likely to be in a motor vehicle collision)
  • Adjusting the radio or GPS
  • Eating
  • Grooming
  • Children and pets

Add to this, following vehicles in front too closely or overloading a vehicle and you’ve got  the perfect recipe for a rear end collision.

Why true costs of a car accident are far greater than insurance claim value

The costs involved in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident are far more than just the cost to repair damaged vehicles. There are also claims for:

  • Damages to property and injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
  • Cost of Workers Compensation claims
  • General liability claims
  • Damage to transported materials and equipment
  • Punitive damages
  • Negligent entrustment lawsuits

How To Reduce Chances of Getting Into A Motor Vehicle Accident

The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health offers these guidelines for cutting down on your risk of becoming a motor vehicle accident victim:

  • Stay at the speed limit
  • Leave an extra long follow distance behind the vehicle in front — especially when carrying heavy loads.
  • Avoid driving while fatigued or intoxicated. And don’t use a cell phone while driving.
  • Use a safety belt at all times while in a moving vehicle. And don’t carry more passengers than you have seat belts for.
  • Maintain brakes and other safety equipment on vehicles.

Deciding factors of intensity of car accident personal injuries

All other things being equal, injuries to passengers (including drivers) as a result of a rear end collision, usually come down to a handful of internal factors:

  • The position of passengers in the vehicle. Automobiles are designed to accommodate a certain number of passengers positioned in a specific seating configuration. When the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended seating positions are not followed, the severity of personal injury in a rear end collision increases.
  • Seatbelt use is another critical injury reduction factor — along with the presence of airbags on the vehicle. Passengers without seatbelts and airbag protection are at far higher risk of sustaining personal injury. Proper positing and use of headrests is also a principle factor in reducing whiplash injury.
  • Awareness that a crash is about to occur is another important factor. When motor vehicle occupants can brace themselves in advance of crash impact, they can often reduce the magnitude of personal injury.

If you’ve been injured as a result of a rear end collision, you should consult a car accident attorney to help you protect your rights and to receive fair compensation for any  injury you have suffered.

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