| Though it may seem like a distant and forgotten era of | | | | citizens have become deeply invested in maximizing |
| history, a mere few years ago people managed to get | | | | their own work and life accomplishments. This has led |
| through their days without the use of cellular phones. | | | | to the creation of the word "multitasking" and the |
| But as an ever increasing portion of the population | | | | practices of constantly seeking to find ways to |
| becomes plugged in, the former solitude of driving is | | | | perform more than one task at a time. While this has |
| being replaced by an overwhelming number of | | | | indeed served the economy well, it is a dangerous and |
| distractions. The introduction of each additional activity | | | | potentially deadly decision for one to make when he or |
| into the confines of an automobile comes with an | | | | she is behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. |
| expanded potential for disaster as drivers pay less | | | | Driving is inherently hazardous and the accidents that |
| attention to the task of safely and securely operating | | | | result from a motorist's negligence can cause serious |
| a motor vehicle. | | | | injury to all who are involved. To ensure that one has |
| Recent research studies have revealed that some | | | | sufficient time to react to changing roadway conditions, |
| distractions, such as text messaging while driving, can | | | | it is essential that a driver's attention is fully directed at |
| compromise a motorist's skills and alertness to a | | | | the surrounding roadway. Unfortunately, too many |
| degree equal to or greater than the impairment | | | | drivers are caught up by the following driving |
| associated with alcohol consumption. Because of the | | | | distractions: |
| fairly recent development of these problems, there are | | | | - Talking on a cellular phone |
| many places where the laws have not yet been | | | | - Text messaging while driving |
| adapted to address this growing concern. New York | | | | - Web surfing |
| only enacted legislation to forbid some of these actions | | | | - Eating or drinking while driving |
| in November of 2009. But while there may be areas | | | | - Applying makeup or other personal grooming behind |
| where engaging in these activities is not expressly | | | | the wheel |
| prohibited, that does not preclude the victim of a car | | | | - Speaking with passengers |
| accident from pursuing a civil judgment against a | | | | - Adjusting air conditioning, heating, or music devices |
| negligent driver. | | | | Financial Compensation |
| The Pressures of a Fast-Paced Life | | | | The victims of distracted driving accidents are likely to |
| America, as a nation, has always been predisposed to | | | | require extensive medical care and may also have to |
| encourage and acknowledge hard work and | | | | cope with other damages. |
| productivity. In response to this cultural value, many | | | | |