Emotional Driving More Dangerous than Distracted Driving

A recent study found driving while experiencing negative emotions may very well be more dangerous than distracted driving. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found motorists are 10 times more likely to get in a car accident when they are visibly experiencing one of the following:

• Anger
• Sadness
• Crying
• Emotional agitation

The study observed the behavior of 3,600 drivers.

Obviously, intense emotions themselves can be distracting. But these types of emotions can also cause you to act less rationally and to make poor decisions behind the wheel.

Researchers also looked at crash rates caused by distracted driving. They found that the risk of crash doubles when drivers engage in distracting behaviors, such as:

• Using a handheld cell phone
• Reading
• Writing
• Using a touchscreen menu

All drivers engage in some sort of distracting behavior more than 50% of the time they are driving, the study says.

Human behavior and habits are often involved in causing serious accidents. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Boca Raton or the surrounding areas, and if there were serious injuries as a result, please call the experienced accident attorneys of Kogan & DiSalvo for a free case evaluation.

Source: vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2016/02/022316-vtti-researchdistraction.html