Distracted Drivers

Distracted drivers can cause so many problems for other drivers that ride alongside them on roads, highways, and interstates . When distractions occur while driving, it can lead to traffic accidents, being accessed tickets, having to kick out a lot of money for fines, and even result in criminal charges. Drivers can have their license suspended or revoked depending on the number or tickets a driver receives or the severity of an accident. Many people seek legal actions for driving accidents that happen. This can result in civil lawsuits against distracted drivers by victims who are hurt because of accidents they have faced. Civil lawsuits can help those injured receive payment to help assist with medical expenses, damages, and money missed from being out of work.

Distracted driving has affected my life personally. I was in an accident and was rear ended not only once, but twice, by a driver who was not only distracted, but under the influence of alcohol too. The driver ran into the back of my car forcing me across a railroad track and then the driver ran into me a second time. I am not entirely sure what the reason was for hitting me again other than possibly being in a state of shock or something. Rather than stop and get out of the car to check on me or my mom to ensure we were okay, the driver backed up and went around my vehicle and kept going. Without a second glance or thought to check on us or try to communicate with us to see how the situation could be handled, the driver was gone.

Thankfully, I was able to see the tag number as the driver spun off. I got a pen out of my car and wrote the number on my hand so that I could provide the information along with the description of the car. The driver was later caught and stated that he did not stay at the scene and left because my mom, who was a passenger in my car at the time, was being irate. It was also discovered that the driver was driving someone else’s car and had tried to hide the car and did not inform the owner of the accident at all. My mom was upset that the driver hit us twice. However, she did not act out of character and only tried to get the driver to remain on the scene as we had begun to call the police and remained on the scene until they arrived.

Because of this accident I was forced to seek medical treatment which also included about four and a half months of going to a chiropractor. I was in so much pain and had injuries to my spinal cord and my chest. I would not want this to happen to anybody. I still to this day tense up when someone is following me to close or driving erratically. I have experienced muscle spasms and back pains since the accident. I truly wish the driver could have handled this better and made a better choice to not drink and drive for one. But, also, to be responsible and not leave the scene of an accident when you are clearly the cause of it.

I think that young drivers and really anyone who drives should be fully aware of their surroundings and others that are on the road as well when driving. Drivers should refrain from using cell phones while driving, keep their eyes on the road at all times, and minimize anything that can be a distraction and ultimately cause accidents. Drivers should make it a habit of taking defensive driving courses and keeping up with the latest improvements and suggestions to ensure they are being safe while driving and being aware of other drivers. This should be a requirement at least every 2 to 3 years, not just to get a license or to submit to your insurance company for a discount. Drivers should not get in the driver’s seat if they have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs that will alter their reaction time or ability to drive in general. It is always better to have a designated driver or simply call an Uber or Lyft and have someone come pick you up so that you are not put in a position to destroy your life or take someone’s life. It is necessary to be aware and cautious of other drivers and different things that can happen while driving.