Every year, thousands of accidents occur due to a pair of insidious driving dangers – distracted driving and highway hypnosis. These hazards lurk in the corners of our daily commutes, long road trips, and quick runs to the grocery store, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. As a law firm with extensive experience in handling cases related to such accidents, The Horwitz Law Group is here to shed some light on these risks and offer advice on avoiding them.
Distracted driving – a term that encompasses anything from texting to adjusting the radio – resulted in 3,142 deaths in 2019 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s nearly nine lives lost each day to something as avoidable as a phone notification.
Highway hypnosis, a lesser-known but equally dangerous phenomenon, is a state of mental auto-pilot where a driver can travel great distances without any memory of doing so. It’s hard to pin down exact numbers for accidents caused by highway hypnosis due to its elusive nature. However, the National Sleep Foundation estimates that fatigue, a major contributor to highway hypnosis, causes about 100,000 crashes each year.
Why do these dangers exist? For distracted driving, the answer lies in our increasingly connected world. With smartphones and in-car entertainment systems constantly vying for our attention, it’s easy to let focus slip from the road. For highway hypnosis, long, monotonous drives, especially after dark, are usually the culprits.
So, how can we combat these threats? For starters, put away your phone while driving. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over safely first. To prevent highway hypnosis, take regular breaks during long drives and avoid driving when you’re tired or after dark.
If you find yourself involved in an accident caused by distracted driving or highway hypnosis, it’s crucial to follow the right steps. First, ensure your safety and the safety of others involved and call emergency services immediately if anyone is injured. Next, report the accident to the police, providing them with as much detail as possible. Document the incident with photographs and notes, capturing the scene, vehicle damages, and any injuries. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not manifest right away. Finally, consult with a knowledgeable attorney who handles these types of cases. They can guide you through the overwhelming legal process and advocate for your rights, helping you seek fair compensation for your losses.
The consequences of these dangers are severe – from damaging property and causing injuries to claiming lives. Moreover, they can lead to legal repercussions, hefty fines, and increased insurance premiums.
In such scenarios, The Horwitz Law Group can step in. Our professional team has a history of obtaining financial compensation for clients affected by accidents caused by distracted driving and highway hypnosis. We understand the emotional and financial toll these accidents can take, and we are here to help you navigate the complex legal process that follows.
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