Are Navigational Apps as Dangerous as Texting and Driving?

While most people already know that texting and talking on the phone while driving are dangerous practices, many individuals fail to notice that using navigational apps while driving is dangerous as well. With navigational apps such as Google Maps, Waze, and others, many people rely on their cell phones to help them commute from point-A to point-B. Of course, this increases the risks of accidents caused by distracted driving.

Using navigation apps is dangerous for several reasons. In general, the problem of this practice is that these apps cause drivers to become distracted in all three areas of distracted driving classifications. Below is a list of these classifications followed by explanations.

1. Physical Distraction

A person may be physically distracted when using a navigation app because he/she may have one hand off of the steering wheel in order to hold his/her cell phone when referring to the map or list of directions. This poses potential risks because a person will be unable to make the proper driving maneuvers if both hands are not on the wheel.

2. Visual Distraction

A person can become visually distracted when using navigation apps because he/she may be looking at the phone’s screen to read any maps or directions. Of course, this is dangerous because the person does not have his/her eyes on the road at all times, much like texting while driving.

3. Cognitive Distraction

A driver can become cognitively distracted whether they have both hands on the wheel or not. Most navigation apps have a read-aloud feature that will let the driver know the appropriate directions to take without the driver ever having to take his/her hands of the wheel. However, this can be dangerous because a person can become distracted by listening for directions, not allowing for them to focus on the actual road or traffic conditions.

We Can Defend You Against a Distracted Driver Who Caused You Harm

The distracted driving accident lawyers at Shook & Stone are committed to helping those who have been wrongly injury due to the negligence of other persons. If you have been harmed by a distracted driver, it is important to seek top-tier representation right away. You and your family may be compensated for any medical expenses, emotional distresses, or lost wages that you may endure as a result of your accident.

To discuss your case, get in touch with a Las Vegas car accident attorney from Shook & Stone today!