Distracted driving is dangerous for everyone on the roadways which is why drivers needs to ensure they refrain from distracted driving. Distracted drivers may be liable to victims for whatever harm they cause in a car accident.
Texting while driving is prohibited in Pennsylvania. Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it involves all three types of distracted driving. Distracted driving categories include cognitive distraction, or anything that removes the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway; manual distraction, or anything that removes the driver’s hands from the steering wheel; and visual distraction, or anything that removes the driver’s eyes from the roadway.
Distracted driving includes many dangerous driving behaviors other than texting and driving as well. Other types of distracted driving behaviors include cell phone use, operating a radio or navigation device while driving, eating or drinking while driving, grooming while driving, engaging in conversation with passengers while driving, searching for an item in the car while driving, reading while driving and and other forms of driver distraction as well. Because distracted driving is a primary offense in Pennsylvania that carries a fine, violating distracted driving laws may also be used as evidence of driver negligence.
A personal injury claim against a distracted driver may help the injured victim recover compensation for the harm they have suffered, including physical, financial and emotional damages. Because a distracted driving-related accident can unexpectedly turn the victim’s life upside down, it is important that negligent drivers are help accountable when they make the decision to driving while distracted.