Which is More Dangerous: Texting and Driving or Drunk Driving?

Whether you are a safe driver or not, there are circumstances beyond your control whenever you are on the road. There could be sloppy weather conditions, unseen obstacles, potholes, and reckless drivers that could all cause a car accident at any time. Or it could just be a simple mistake that leads to a collision.

Types of Reckless Driving Behaviors

There are many forms of reckless behavior when it comes to driving practices. Unfortunately, even if you are a great defensive driver and follow strict safety protocols, other drivers may engage in these behaviors that can lead to a crash.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Many car accidents occur because one or more of the drivers involved were distracted for various reasons.

Texting while driving

The way that cell phones, particularly smartphones, have infiltrated every aspect of our lives has caused many instances of texting while driving. Although newer cars are adopting hands-free technology, that hasn’t stopped people from texting while driving or looking away from the road to check their text messages.

Many state laws ban texting while driving, but even so, people will continue to behave recklessly.

Eating while driving

People are constantly on the go, and this results in a lot of multitasking on daily commutes. While a cell phone is a visual distraction, eating food while driving can also cause fatal crashes. If you only have one hand on the wheel while you eat, or even no hands, then your response time could be affected.

Passenger Distractions

In some cases, other people in the vehicle could create distracted drivers. This could be children in the back who are being too loud or adult passengers that are acting out or diverting the attention of the driver. Accidents caused by passenger distraction can lead to injuries and even death.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is another common cause of car accidents. Drinking alcohol and then driving is extremely dangerous for the driver, their passengers, and other motorists on the road. Drunk drivers cause a large portion of the total number of car wrecks in a given year. Driving drunk can lead to a forfeiture of the driver’s license on top of the dangers that it presents.

Which is More Dangerous When Driving? Texting or Drinking

The answer may surprise you based on data collected in years past. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), research suggests that texting while driving is far more dangerous than drunk driving. The main reason is because of reaction time.

When looking at a cell phone, the driver’s eyes are completely off the road for a few seconds at a time, and sometimes more. A person who is driving drunk likely has their eyes on the road, even if their reactions are impaired. Therefore, they can react slightly quicker to obstructions than someone who is not even seeing the road.

Drunk driving accidents are almost always reported, so the statistics surrounding them are pretty solid. Texting while driving, however, is likely underreported because people can lie about what caused the accident, making the statistics slightly skewed.

Even so, more accidents are caused by distracted driving. Additionally, more people will look at a text message while they drive than will drink before entering a vehicle.

Even though most people would view driving under the influence as a worse offense, far more people are text messaging behind the wheel and causing accidents that lead to fatalities or injured victims. Most states have very intense laws regarding DUIs and DWIs but are less harsh on distracted drivers who were texting while driving.

How to Proceed If You Are in an Accident

Since there are many risk factors associated with driving, from distracted driving to drunk driving, accidents will happen. If you are involved in car accidents caused by these reckless behaviors, you should know that hiring a car accident attorney may be in your best interests.

Filing a Claim

After an accident, many victims choose to file a claim against the negligent party, usually the other driver. This process allows people who have suffered damages to recover financial compensation for any losses that were accrued as a result of the car accident. To help with this claim, a personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and strengthen your case for a higher chance of success.

Types of Damages

Damages include any monetary or non-monetary losses that resulted from the car accident. These could include medical bills for injury treatment, lost wages, funeral costs in the event of wrongful death, vehicle repairs, and even emotional distress such as pain and suffering.

All of these losses can be repaid in the form of a settlement with the insurance company of the at-fault driver involved in the collision. Protecting your interests is our top priority at the Mitch Grissim & Associates law firm.

Holding People Accountable

Justice is important, especially when it comes to drinking and driving or distracted driving. Reckless behaviors should not go unpunished, or the person could get behind the wheel again after drinking alcohol or constantly texting on their phone while driving. By filing a claim and forcing them to suffer some consequences, you are holding them accountable for their irresponsible actions.

Contact Our Law Firm for Legal Services After Distracted Driving or Drunk Driving Causes an Accident

Adult drivers should understand how to be responsible. But when they engage in cell phone use or drive drunk, they are behaving recklessly behind the wheel. When you are facing medical expenses, lost income, repairs, or emotional suffering as a result of their actions, you have the right to a fair settlement.

The law team at Mitch Grissim & Associates offers legal services to those victims who have suffered in accidents involving texting or drinking and driving. Let us help you hold the drinking or texting driver accountable to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths in the state of Tennessee.

Call Now

For a free consultation about your case, call 615-255-9999 so that we can discuss the status of your claim.