Speeding cars, heavy trucks, careless pedestrians – the road is peppered with hazards. Many drivers forget, though, that some of the most dangerous distractions are inside their vehicles.
Passengers are a leading cause of distraction-related accidents. This is why Iowa laws restrict the number of passengers that new drivers can carry. Loud talking, backseat driving, noises from passengers’ cell phones – there are many ways that a person in your vehicle can take your attention off the road.
In 2013, 3,154 people died and another 424,000 were injured in distracted-driving wrecks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these victims and their families faced exorbitant medical bills and overwhelming debt due to lost income.
If you were injured by a distracted or negligent motorist in Iowa, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC for legal advice. An accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids will help you claim the maximum compensation from the at-fault driver.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about personal-injury lawsuits in Iowa by visiting USAttorneys.com
5 Ways Passengers Can Help Drivers Avoid Distraction-Related Accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that there are three distinct forms of driving distractions: visual, manual and cognitive. The deadliest distractions, such as rowdy passengers, fall into all three groups.
As a driver, you can reduce your risk of crashing by minimizing the number of passengers that you carry. Also, do not be afraid to speak up if a passenger is drawing your attention from the task of driving.
As a passenger, you can take these five steps to help your driver avoid distraction-related accidents:
- Avoid Backseat Driving: You might have good intentions by giving your driver advice, but this can actually backfire. The driver may feel anxious and question his or her decision-making, which can put all vehicle occupants in danger.
- Stay Alert: Passengers are perfectly positioned to look for vehicles in a car’s blind spots or pedestrians walking behind the vehicle.
- Put Your Phone Away: Noises and glare from games, phone calls and text messages can distract your driver long enough to cause a crash. Do not use your cell phone while the vehicle is in motion.
- Help the Driver Navigate: If the driver is travelling on unfamiliar roads, then help him or her navigate. That way, the driver can keep his or her eyes on the road rather than on a map or GPS.
- Be Respectful: Avoid making sudden, loud noises and abrupt movements while the vehicle is in motion.
If you or a loved one sustained an injury due to a distracted, drunk or negligent driver in Iowa, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids personal-injury attorney will evaluate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses and help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation.
