When a person is not paying attention to the road while he or she is behind the wheel, it can make it more likely that he or she will be in a car accident. The same principle applies to pedestrians who are distracted while walking. Any time a person is looking at a phone, that person will pay less attention to what is going on around him or her. In cases where a person is walking near moving vehicles while texting, it can make it more likely that auto accidents will occur.
Estimates suggest that around 11,000 people suffered injuries in the years between 2000 and 2011 because they were texting while they were walking. People may think that since they are not behind the wheel of a moving vehicle that texting and walking isn’t dangerous or risky, but statistics indicate that’s not the case. Whether they are inside a car or out, people frequently overestimate their ability to multitask.
Looking at a phone causes cognitive distraction. This is when a person’s brain is focused on one thing while he or she is doing something else entirely. This is not a good combination, and the results can be catastrophic. There are many reasons why people continue to try and multitask with their phones, but ultimately, each person is responsible for the choices he or she makes, especially if they cause another person harm.
If a Delaware driver or pedestrian causes another person harm because he or she was distracted, the victim may have grounds for legal recourse. Through a personal injury claim, it is possible to hold negligent parties accountable. This can be a reasonable way for a person to seek appropriate compensation after distracted driving auto accidents.