Kansas Emphasizes Safe Driving During Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Woman in car, texting while driving.

In Kansas, distracted driving is a significant concern, contributing to numerous accidents and injuries each year. Whether texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, any activity that diverts a driver's attention from the road can have disastrous consequences.

That glance at your phone or the quick bite while cruising down the highway may seem harmless, but these actions can cause severe and even fatal car accidents. According to crash data, around 3,000 people in the U.S. die in accidents involving distracted driving every year.

If you've been injured in a distracted driving accident in Kansas, it's essential to understand your legal rights and options. Contact our experienced team at Warner Law Offices in Wichita to discuss your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Distracted driving and the dangers

Distracted driving occurs when a driver is not fully focused on driving because they’re focused on something else, such as texting, eating, or talking to passengers. Depending on the action, there are three types of distractions:

Visual Distractions: These distractions involve taking your eyes off the road. Examples include looking at your phone, looking at a navigation system, or turning to talk to passengers.
Manual Distractions: These involve taking your hands off the wheel. This can happen when you eat, adjust the radio, or reach for something.
Cognitive Distractions: These distractions take your mind off driving. Daydreaming, talking on the phone, or being emotionally upset can all be cognitive distractions.

These distractions are all extremely dangerous because they take your attention away from the road, increasing the risk of a crash. Texting and driving is commonly discussed as one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving because it fits into each type of distraction, impacting your ability to see, steer, and think.

Due to the risk, texting and driving is illegal in Kansas. Despite this, just last year, 102 people were killed and another 450 injured in distracted driving accidents.

The few seconds you take to look at your phone may seem like nothing to worry about, but they are. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if you look away from the road for 5 seconds while driving at 55 mph, you can cover the length of a football field without ever looking at the road.

Stay focused and drive safe

Distracted driving accidents are preventable, and all road users can practice safe driving habits to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Follow these tips from Newstalk KZRG to contribute to creating safer roads for everyone:

Store your phone out of reach and sight.
Use the "Do Not Disturb" feature on your phone.
Minimize distractions like adjusting the radio or handling food while driving.
Let passengers manage navigation and phone use.
If necessary, find a safe spot to pull over and attend to tasks. Remember that no text is worth someone's life.

Get help from a Wichita, KS, distracted driving accident lawyer today

At Warner Law Offices, we understand the toll a distracted driving accident can have on a victim and their loved ones. That's why we're committed to ensuring you receive the support and financial compensation you deserve for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Our car accident attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the state's distracted driving laws and the experience needed to fight for the compensation you deserve.

You don't have to navigate the aftermath of your distracted driving accident alone. Our firm is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.