Most people in Michigan agree that texting or scrolling through your phone contributes to distracted driving. However, many people believe that it’s safe to use hands-free devices because you can still look at the road while you talk on the phone. Unfortunately, studies have shown that hands-free calling isn’t as safe as many people believe.
Does hands-free calling distract you while you’re on the road?
A recent study revealed that only 30% of truckers think that making hands-free calls should be classified as distracted driving. Many people assume that hands-free calling is safe because they don’t have to look away from the road while they listen to their messages or talk on the phone. However, using a hands-free device can still increase your risk of getting into an accident.
When you talk on the phone, you’re not giving the road your full, undivided attention. As a result, you could get caught off guard easily. You may not be able to hit the brakes in time if there is an obstacle on the road, or the person in front of you stops without warning. If the authorities determine that you were liable for the accident, the other driver could hire a personal injury attorney.
What if you’re the victim in this situation?
You may be able to avoid distracted driving, but unfortunately, many people assume that they can drive and talk on the phone at the same time. You may be entitled to compensation if someone hits your vehicle because he or she wasn’t paying attention. Even if you were somewhat at fault, you could still file a lawsuit if you were less than 50% accountable for the car accident. Your attorney may recommend suing the insurance company, but you could also sue the driver directly if he or she doesn’t have car insurance.
