Most drivers have become desensitized to the danger that comes with driving a car on the road with other cars. That desensitization has allowed drivers to believe that multitasking while driving is a completely safe and normal thing to do. In reality, multitasking while driving is distracted driving, which is incredibly dangerous and can easily lead to collisions.
When a distracted driver’s actions cause a wreck that injures you or damages your property, you should feel comfortable taking legal action that holds them accountable. A car accident lawyer from Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco will guide you through the legal claims process and ensure that you feel confident in getting the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
What Is Multitasking While Driving?
In general, multitasking is a myth. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that the brain cannot do two things at the same time. When you think you’re effectively multitasking, you’re only focusing at one thing at a time, not both at once. So when you’re driving while talking on the phone, you’re either paying attention to the road or the conversation and, most likely, you choose the conversation.
Driving is a task that requires your full attention at all times. When you multitask while driving, you are taking your attention off the road, even though the road is the only thing you should be focusing on. Distracting yourself by multitasking while driving is dangerous, and can cause you to swerve, hit other cars, or run into stationary objects on the side of the road.
Distracted driving is defined as anything that takes your attention away from driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 3,000 people were killed by distracted driving in 2018. The problem is that many drivers think they’re immune to an accident and think multitasking while driving won’t negatively affect them. Here are some of the actions that people do while driving that are considered distractions, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, or PennDOT:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Putting on makeup
- Smoking
- Messing with the radio
- Texting
- Calling
- Scrolling through social media
- Checking email
Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Laws
In Pennsylvania, multitasking while driving isn’t just frowned upon—it’s also illegal. Depending on what action you’re doing to distract yourself behind the wheel, you could be breaking the law. According to the state legislature, a Pennsylvania driver cannot send, read, or write texts on their handheld wireless communication device while their vehicle is in motion. Devices that this law applies to are cell phones, smartwatches, small computers, and any device that is capable of digital communication. Making and ending calls are not included in this state-wide mandate. If a driver is caught breaking this law, they could receive a fine of $50.
Although neighboring states have outlawed the use of handheld devices for any reason while driving, Pennsylvania has not followed suit. Texting while driving is not the only distraction that a cell phone or other handheld device can pose. Even hands-free devices can be distracting while driving because even though your eyes aren’t taken off the road, and hands aren’t taken off the wheel, your mind is still focused on the conversation rather than driving.
Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco Will Represent You
When a multitasking driver crashes into you, any injuries or damages that you sustain shouldn’t be your responsibility to pay for. Since their negligence caused the accident and your subsequent damages, they should be held responsible for their actions. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer from Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco can help you file a claim against the negligent driver and fight for you to get full and fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
You shouldn’t have to suffer after an accident alone. Although a personal injury lawyer can’t help you heal physically and emotionally, we can offer you the financial recovery that allows you and your family to manage any and all accident-related expenses. Contact us today so that we can discuss your potential claim and get working right away. The sooner we’re on your side, the sooner you can focus on what really matters—healing.
