Crashes Due to Inattentive Drivers

Crashes Due to Inattentive Drivers

You see inattentive drivers all around. Even if you are taking a short trip to the grocery store, someone always seems to be on distracted driving, while chatting on their cell phone or, even worse, texting while behind the wheel.

We live in a fast-paced world today, so much so that drivers tend to be distracted while operating their vehicles. Distracted drivers should be liable for any car accidents and injuries they cause.

An accident victim may feel that they do not know where to turn. Pyle Law has over 25 years of personal injury experience and is here to help you with your car accident claim.

What is Distracted Driving?

Inattentive drivers or distracted driving is anything that prevents the driver from paying full attention to the road.

There are three main types of distractions:

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road—this can happen if a driver is applying make-up, trying to set a GPS, texting, watching videos, or reading directions
• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel—eating, drinking, changing the radio station, texting, or reaching for an object
• Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving—daydreaming, being involved in a phone conversation (even if it is a hands-free device), texting, or interacting with other passengers

Texting while driving is a serious offense since it qualifies as all three types of distractions. In texting, a driver must take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind away from driving.

Kansas Laws on Distracted Driving

In Kansas, there are specific laws to deter distracted driving. The following provisions are laid out for drivers:

• According to Kansas statute (KSA 8-15, 111), texting, emailing, and instant messaging are prohibited, including reading, writing, or sending a written communication.
  • Exception: Law enforcement or emergency service personnel acting in the course and scope of employment
• Drivers with an Instruction Permit between the ages of 14 to 17 and all other drivers with a Restricted License or Farm License are prohibited from using any type of hands-free or hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle.

However, the use of a cell phone is allowed in emergency situations. This would include reporting illegal activity or to summon medical or emergency services.

Additionally, drivers ages 14 or 15 holding a Restricted License or Farm License are not allowed to transport any passengers under the age of 18 that are not siblings. A driver holding either type of license ages 16-18 is only permitted to carry one non-sibling passenger under 18 years old.

The Consequences of Distracted Driving

According to a 2020 study, Kansas is the second-most leading state for distracted driving fatalities, with 4.49 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers. On a national level, distracted driving was responsible for taking the lives of 3,142 people in 2020.

The following are some risks of distracted driving:

• Missing road signs
• Failing to process visual cues
• Failing to see pedestrians in a crosswalk
• Failing to brake in stopped traffic
• Drifting off the road

A Diligent Car Accident Attorney Fighting for You

At Pyle Law, we are dedicated to winning you the compensation you deserve. If you have fallen victim to an inattentive driver, you are not alone. Between medical bills and damage to your vehicle, you have suffered significantly for someone else’s negligence. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Put our knowledge and expertise to work for you.