DISTRACTED DRIVERS COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROAD ACCIDENT CLAIMS

February 2nd, 2009 Hinchliffes

Recent RAC reports suggest drivers are being driven to distraction by gadgets within their vehicles. 46% of drivers believe gadgets severely divert their attention away from the road, with the figure rising to 55% for drivers aged between 17 and 24. A likely result of this is an increase in car accident claims for personal injury compensation.

In another survey it was revealed that the biggest distraction was satellite navigation equipment, with nearly 30% of drivers confirming that it affected their driving. The use of iPods and CDs was also found to be significantly distracting, although the RAC have found that the main problem in this regard is with control buttons on the steering wheel and complex dashboard layouts.

The drivers questioned also found to be a distraction smoking, eating, drinking and the presence of children and pets in the vehicle. 32% indicated that their mobile phone had been the cause of serious distraction (rising to 41% for drivers aged between 17 and 24).

COMMENT:-

As in-car technology advances, drivers are faced with an increasing number of warning signals on their dashboard, which are meant to alert drivers to potential problems, but may in fact lead to confusion as to the cause of any problem. For example, only around 50% of drivers recognise the symbol for an airbag.

Also, the increasing availability of in-car technology, such as CD players and air conditioning units, appear to cause as much of a distraction as mobile phones and satellite navigation. Although such features are not dangerous, they must nevertheless be used responsibly.

If a driver causes a road accident as a result of becoming distracted, they could find themselves liable to pay personal injury compensation to anyone injured in the accident, including their passengers, the occupants of other involved vehicles or pedestrians. They could also face a criminal prosecution.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered injury in any form of road accident, contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation. All cases are dealt with on a No Win – No Fee basis, where the successful Client keeps 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.