Distracted Driving: The Impact of In-Vehicle Technology on Car Accidents

Distracted driving is on the rise as more and more in-vehicle technology advances are being made. Although there is a time and a place for in-vehicle technology, it also poses the risk of creating more distracted drivers on the road.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we have handled hundreds of car accident cases involving distracted and negligent drivers. Our Houston car accident lawyers are experienced in this area and can provide legal representation to guide you through this process.

So, keep reading to find out how in-vehicle technology is having an impact on car accidents and distracted driving in Texas.

In-Vehicle Technology That Contributes to Distracted Driving

As helpful as car technology is for many drivers, it also creates the risk of contributing to distracted driving. Even the best in-vehicle technology can take your attention off the road, putting you, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. Here are some examples of in-vehicle technology that can lead to distracted driving.

Infotainment Systems

Infotainment systems are a combination of entertainment and information drivers can take advantage of. For instance, you can use this type of system to listen to the radio as well as get navigation information. As valuable as this is, it can contribute to distracted driving as you are trying to look through your options, which takes your eyes off the road.

Navigation Tools

Navigation tools have been around for a while and are very important for the majority of drivers. The problem with this is that many people tend to use navigation systems as they are driving, which is a significant distraction. It can become hazardous for drivers who are trying to multitask or fix a navigation problem while driving.

Smartphone Integration

Many vehicles are now able to take part in smartphone integration, which allows you to access everything on your phone through your car. This can become a significant distraction as you look through apps and other options to find what you need.

Advanced Driver Assistance Programs 

More and more vehicles are being manufactured to have advanced driver assistance programs available. These systems include a variety of safety features that can help you drive safer and more efficiently. Unfortunately, these features can have the opposite effect if you are trying to use this system while you are driving.

These systems can also have technical issues or may not be entirely accurate, which increases the risk of accidents.

The Consequences of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is something that is not taken seriously enough, even though it can result in severe consequences. Distracted driving is classified as any time a driver is behind the wheel and takes their eyes off the road. Even if you do this for just a few seconds, it can have serious implications for other drivers and pedestrians.

Serious Injuries

Distracted driving contributes to a large portion of car accidents in Texas and has the potential to cause serious injuries. How severe the injuries are will depend on the type of accident and how fast the vehicles are going.

Many instances of distracted driving car accidents involve rear-end accidents if a driver isn’t watching the car in front of them. Thankfully, as common as these accidents are, they do not usually cause serious injuries.

Fatalities

Any type of car accident has the potential to result in fatalities depending on the vehicles, the speed, and where the cars collide. Distracted driving has a higher risk of creating fatalities since every driver needs to be aware of the other vehicles around them.

An example of a distracted driving accident that could result in a fatality is a head-on or T-bone accident. This can happen if a driver is not paying attention to the road and ends up running a red light and hits an oncoming vehicle.

Financial Loss

Depending on the extent of the car accident, distracted driving can also result in significant financial loss. You may walk away with damage to your vehicle or injuries that you have medical expenses for.

Distracted driving car accidents can also result in fines and increases to your insurance premiums. This is also another reason why it is essential to have all of the necessary insurance coverage to help cover your financial losses.

Distracted Driving Laws in Texas

For quite a while now, the state of Texas has cracked down on distracted driving involving cell phone use. Under Texas law, distracted driving can fall into the category of negligence if the driver ends up causing an accident.

This is called the hands-free law, and it comes with a $99 fine for first-time offenders. For subsequent offenses, The penalties can go as high as $200 with a suspended license.

Harsher laws around in-vehicle technology are coming into play as this technology is becoming more commonplace. There is a fine line between helpful technology that makes driving easier and safer and technology that becomes a distraction.

Unfortunately, even the best types of in-vehicle technology can become dangerous if it is faulty or stops working correctly. That is why drivers need to take responsibility and use in-vehicle technology safely and minimally.

How to Avoid Distracted Driving

To avoid the dangers of distracted driving, Texas drivers should use in-vehicle technology wisely. Only use the technology you need and always pull over if you are experiencing errors or can’t find what you need.

It can be helpful to have passengers use in-vehicle technology so that your eyes stay on the road. Drivers should also avoid becoming too dependent on in-vehicle technology as it isn’t always reliable.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers can represent victims of car accidents caused by distracted drivers. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of legal assistance and support to help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Our Houston personal injury lawyers can help you navigate this process, negotiate compensation, and go to court if necessary.

Are you the victim of a car accident where the other driver was distracted by in-vehicle technology? Call our Houston office today at 832-745-4878 to speak with one of our attorneys.