Studies Show that Daydreaming Leads to More Injurious and Fatal Car Accidents

 Posted on February 26,2021 in Car Accidents

If you are like most people, you probably get lost in your thoughts from time to time. Whether you are thinking about a work obligation, family issue, or simply your grocery shopping list, getting lost in thought or “daydreaming” happens to everyone. However, when a motorist daydreams while driving, the consequences can be deadly. Inattention is consistently associated with an increased chance of being involved in a motor vehicle collision. In fact, some studies suggest that daydreaming behind the wheel is an even greater issue than cell phone use behind the wheel.

Study Shows that One in Ten Fatal Collisions Were Caused by Daydreaming

By the time a motorist has been driving for a few years, driving becomes second nature. Most drivers do not have to consciously think about applying the brake when they see brake lights ahead or flipping the turn signal when changing lanes – they simply do it automatically. Unfortunately, this automation can lead drivers to become disengaged from the driving process.

Drivers who are lost in through or dreaming are more likely to make driving mistakes that cause an accident. One study conducted by Erie Insurance Group found that over 60 percent of fatal accidents were attributed to daydreaming. Other forms of distracted driving including using an electronic device or reaching for items in the vehicle also lead to a high percentage of injury-causing and deadly auto accidents.

Bringing a Personal Injury Claim After Being Harmed by a Distracted Driver

Unlike texting and driving, there are no laws prohibiting daydreaming behind the wheel. However, a motorist who is lost in thought may make negligent driving errors that cause a preventable accident. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence or carelessness, you may file a personal injury claim. You may be able to hold the driver accountable for the negligent driving and recover financial compensation for your damages. You could be compensated for the medical costs incurred by your injuries, lost income from missed work, and vehicle repair or replacement costs. You may also be entitled to compensation for non-financial harm caused by the accident including your physical pain and mental suffering.

Contact a Waukegan Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a distracted driving accident, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. A Lake County car accident attorney can help you bring a claim for damages and hold the negligent driver accountable. Call us at 847-662-3303 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Source:

https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a9378/just-how-dangerous-is-daydreaming-while-driving-15935216/