SANTA CLARITA DISTRACTED DRIVING

The frequent types of accidents caused by distracted driving are:
  1. Rear End Collisions; Drivers who are not paying attention may fail to notice when the vehicle, in front of them slows down or stops leading to rear end collisions.
  2. Swerving or Drifting; Distracted drivers might unintentionally drift into lanes or off the road because they aren't focused on driving.
  3. Ignoring Traffic Signals or Signs; Drivers who are distracted might overlook traffic signals stop signs or other road signs resulting in intersection accidents or failure to yield situations.
  4. Lane Departures; Distracted drivers may veer out of their lane potentially causing sideswipe collisions or hitting fixed objects like guardrails or trees.
  5. Collisions with Pedestrians or Cyclists; Distracted drivers might not see pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road leading to accidents.

Common causes of driving include:
  1. Cell Phone Use; Texting, talking on the phone or using apps while driving diverts the drivers attention from the road.
  2. Eating and Drinking; Having food or drinks while driving can distract the driver. Affect their ability to react to hazards.
  3. Adjusting Controls; Changing settings on the radio GPS or climate controls while driving can divert the drivers focus from the road.
  4. Conversations, with Passengers; Having conversations, with passengers especially when they are lively or intense can divert the drivers attention.

To prevent distracted driving, various steps can be taken:
  1. Educating and raising awareness; Public campaigns can inform drivers about the risks of driving. Encourage them to prioritize safe driving practices.
  2. Enacting laws and enforcing them; Introducing and enforcing regulations that limit or ban forms of driving, such as texting or using handheld cell phones can discourage these behaviors.
  3. Integrating technology solutions; Car manufacturers can include features like hands calling, voice activated controls and automatic alerts to reduce distractions while driving.
  4. Providing driver training; Including sections on driving awareness and safe driving techniques in driver education programs can help instill behaviors in new drivers.
  5. Taking responsibility; Drivers should acknowledge their actions. Commit to avoiding distractions while behind the wheel focusing solely on driving safely.

Common injuries suffered by victims of distracted drivers include:
  1. Whiplash and neck injuries; These are frequently seen in rear end collisions and may lead to neck pain, limited movement, in the neck and upper back.
  2. Head Injuries; Concussions, bruises and brain injuries can happen when car accidents occur due to driving.
  3. Spinal Cord Injuries; Severe crashes caused by driving may lead to spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis or other nervous system issues.
  4. Broken Bones and Fractures; Collisions with the steering wheel, dashboard or other parts of the car can lead to fractures or breaks in different areas of the body.
  5. Soft Tissue Injuries; Muscle sprains, strains and tears in ligaments and tendons can result from strong movements, during car accidents.

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