Most of us lead busy lives and we are used to multi-tasking. We check our phones for messages and read emails during dinner, when watching movies, or while engaging in other hobbies and activities. We scroll through social media posts on the job and perform complex tasks around our homes while attempting to talk with spouses, parents, or children at the same time. Unfortunately, the ability to do multiple things all at once is highly overrated. The end result is that we can end up being distracted most of the time. In addition to impacting your job performance and relationships with others, it can put you at risk for serious personal injuries.
The Impacts of Being Distracted
While the ability to juggle multiple tasks was once a highly desirable quality, researchers are now finding that it takes a toll on your mental processes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doing several things at once means that each individual task is likely to suffer in some way.
Over the past decade, we have become more aware of how distractions impact driving abilities, in particular as it relates to cell phone usage. When it comes to driving distractions, the CDC has identified three main types:
- Visual distractions, which cause you to take your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions, which cause you to take your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distractions, which divert your attention from driving
Scrolling through text messages, making calls, fixing your appearance, eating fast food, or even just thinking about what you will be doing later are all equally dangerous. This holds true for driving or when engaged in other activities.
The Role Distraction Plays in Personal Injury Risks
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), being distracted is one of the most reckless and potentially deadly types of driving behaviors. It can cause you to make dangerous mistakes or miss warning signs that an accident is imminent. It also increases your risks of being involved in other types of accidents, which have the potential to leave you with serious personal injuries. These include:
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Getting struck by or against objects
- Sports or recreational accidents
- Accidents due to defective or dangerous products
Not paying attention means you will be less likely to notice potentially dangerous situations. It also slows reaction times, giving you less time to respond in emergency situations. While another person’s actions may still ultimately be liable for your personal injuries, avoiding distractions helps reduce your risks.
Let a Carolinas Injury Attorney Help
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we know the serious injuries that can result from various types of accidents. We help you hold at-fault parties accountable in these situations, so you can get the compensation you need to recover.
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a driver who was texting and driving or some other distracted driving behavior, contact a North Carolina car accident attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have. Our legal team has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled North Carolina car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call us today at (833) 997-1774 for a free case evaluation.
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