April 14, 2024
A driver is considered distracted when they perform other tasks while driving that take their attention off the road. This includes using a GPS device, which is ironic because they are made to be used while driving. Every day in the United States, it is reported that about eight people are killed in automobile accidents involving a distracted driver.
Distracted Driving Stats
- In 2018 (US), over 2,800 people were killed, and an estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
- 1 in 5 of the people who died in distracted driving accidents in 2018 were not in vehicles. They were pedestrians, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle.
- An estimated 3,000 people die in distracted driving accidents each year
Most people assume that texting while driving is the number one distracted driving behavior, but according to a 2017 study by the University of Utah, this is not the case. Research showed that programming navigation was the most distracting activity for drivers.
While a GPS is intended to be used in a car, using one while driving can be a dangerous distraction. If your vehicle has speech recognition technology, using voice commands to operate a GPS can reduce the risk but doesn’t eliminate it. A study by AAA found that both voice-based and touch-screen technology resulted in drivers taking their hands, eyes, and mind off the road for more than 24 seconds.
Dangerous Distracted Driving Behaviors Involving a GPS
There are many dangerous distracted driving behaviors you may be engaging in without realizing it. Some examples include:
- Programming the GPS while driving;
- Looking up directions or places on the GPS while driving;
- Reacting to GPS directions too late, resulting in sudden turns, lane changes, or exits that can cause a crash; and
- Having music playing louder than the GPS audio.
How to Use a GPS Safely
You will likely need to use a GPS device at some point to get to your destination. Here are some tips to help you reach your destination safely:
- Program your GPS before you begin driving;
- Pull over if you need to reprogram the GPS;
- Use the vehicle’s navigation display instead of your cell phone;
- If you are traveling with a passenger, let them program the navigation for you; and
- Keep the GPS volume turned up and the music turned down.
Contact a West Virginia Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we focus our legal practice on helping individuals get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced car crash attorneys are here to fight for your rights when you are injured in a distracted driving accident. Call today for an initial consultation.
