Thanks to technology, multitasking has become a part of modern life. However, this habit can be very dangerous when it comes to driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,308 fatalities in 2022 because of distracted driving. Multitasking falls under the umbrella of distracted driving.
In 2021, 20,324 accidents were reported in Las Vegas, which accounted for 43% of the total accidents in Nevada. Victims of such incidents should consult a Las Vegas accident attorney for help with their claims.
Keep reading to understand the link between multitasking and car accidents.
What is Multitasking While Driving?
Multitasking refers to doing multiple tasks simultaneously. While it might seem efficient and time-saving, the human brain isn’t designed to focus on more than one complex task at a time. Driving requires full cognition and visual and manual attention.
When drivers try to multitask by texting, eating, putting on makeup, or changing the GPS, they divide their focus, which affects their ability to react quickly. This also leads to low situational awareness, which increases the chances of making mistakes. For example, looking at your phone for five seconds while driving 55 mph is the same as driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
Evidence Linking Multitasking to Car Accidents
Studies have continuously shown the dangers of multitasking while driving. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that even hands-free devices that are marketed as safer alternatives can lead to cognitive distractions.
A study done by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that texting while driving is very dangerous, making drivers 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
According to NHTSA, eating while driving, which is a manual distraction and a form of multitasking, increases your chances of getting into an accident by up to 1.57 times. On the other hand, things like applying makeup while driving, which is something 6.5% of drivers admit to doing, increase your odds of crashing by 3.13 times.
Cognitive distractions like daydreaming or having conversations while driving also increase your chances of getting into an accident.
The Consequences of Multitasking While Driving
The immediate consequences of multitasking while driving are serious injuries and fatalities. Beyond the physical harm, there are significant financial and emotional costs. Victims are often left with high medical bills in cases of serious injuries or the financial burden of repairing vehicle damages. There are also factors like lost income and long-term trauma.
Additionally, distracted drivers have to face some legal consequences. Many states have strict laws to discourage distracted driving, like fines, getting your license suspended, and, in some severe cases, criminal charges.
To avoid being distracted and multitasking while driving, drivers should set up before driving. That is, set up your GPS and playlist before hitting the road.
Conclusion
Multitasking while driving is a dangerous behavior. To discourage this behavior and promote safety in Las Vegas, there should be more public awareness campaigns, stricter distracted driving laws, and advanced technologies to reduce driver error.
