Most car wrecks are preventable. Driver distractions, which are leading causes of crashes, kill thousands of people and send more than 400,000 to hospitals each year, according to Distraction.gov.
These victims often face expensive medical bills, and some cannot return to work. Serious injuries can affect a person’s social life and personal relationships. Although no amount of money can undo the pain and stress of a serious accident, making a claim against the at-fault party may help you avoid overwhelming debt or bankruptcy.
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Ken Crosson is an injury lawyer in Marietta who can gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations. He can also litigate your case if it goes to trial. Schedule a consultation today by calling 678-909-0770.
Passengers Are More Distracting Than Most People Realize
When people think of distracted driving, they imagine maps, cell phones and GPS devices. They never think of passengers – who contribute to 5 percent of all fatal accidents.
Instead of being an unnecessary burden, a passenger can help the driver reach the destination safely. Here are four ways passengers can be less distracting:
- Stop Using Cell Phones
Cell phones are a leading cause of distracted driving accidents. Built-in Wi-Fi systems are encouraging people to surf the Web, text and play games in vehicles.
Game sounds, YouTube videos, ringing phones, notification messages and any other light or noise from a passenger’s phone can distract the driver. This is why passengers should avoid using their phones in vehicles. Do not play games, watch movies or converse loudly with others, and never ask the driver to take his or her eyes off the road to look at a text or image.
- Avoid Backseat Driving
Passengers must have enough faith in the driver to trust his or her decision-making. Backseat drivers are distracting, and even worse, they make drivers indecisive in situations that require quick thinking. Passengers should not create unnecessary stress or encourage drivers to take risks.
- Help When Appropriate
Although passengers should avoid backseat driving, they can act as another pair of eyes in certain situations. Look for obstacles when the driver is reversing, and volunteer to change the music, check the map, adjust the GPS or complete other essential tasks that would distract the driver.
- Be Respectful
Driving is stressful enough without inconsiderate passengers. Being loud and disrespectful increases the chances of an accident – particularly if there are several passengers talking at once. Avoid making sudden movements, eating or drinking in the car, and being boisterous.
In certain cases, distracted drivers who cause accidents are responsible for the damages. If you were injured by a negligent driver in Georgia, contact the Crosson Law Group, PLC.
Ken Crosson is a car accident attorney in Georgia who can investigate your accident and help you prove liability. Our office is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 678-909-0770.