Florida drivers probably don’t daydream about being in car accidents. However, that’s exactly what could happen if drivers let their minds wander while they’re behind the wheel.
A new study by Erie Insurance says that daydreaming is far more dangerous than using a cellphone on the road. The company found that daydreaming drivers were involved in 64 percent of fatal car accidents in the last five years attributed to distracted driving. These accidents occurred when at least one driver wasn’t paying attention to the road, perhaps because they were bored and let their minds wander to other things. On the other hand, cellphone-using drivers were involved in only 14 percent of the fatal distracted driving accidents.
The insurance company has been studying causes of fatal accidents for many years with daydreamers always leading the numbers with the highest percentage of involvement in fatal accidents. Erie Insurance said that daydreaming is a part of human nature, making it difficult to fix. Self-driving cars may eventually decrease the amount of fatal accidents, but at this stage it is more likely to cause an increase in fatalities as drivers as drivers erroneously think the car will prevent all accidents.
No matter the cause, motor vehicle accidents can result in severe injuries, emotional trauma or death for those involved. Floridians who have suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a negligent driver may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. This compensation might include present and future medical expenses, lost wages if the victim is unable to work due to the injuries, and pain and suffering. If the accident results in a fatality, survivors may be eligible for wrongful death benefits. A personal injury attorney may be able to explain the types of compensation available and assist victims in getting fair compensation for their injuries.
