The Growing Problem of Car Accidents in Houston Caused by Distracted Driving

Understanding Distracted Driving and Why it Leads to Car Accidents

Distracted driving is like trying to juggle five balls at once; when your attention is split, it often leads to disaster. This phenomenon is certainly true in Houston and the surrounding areas, where the problems and causes of distracted driving are often compounded by long drive times, large numbers of vehicles on the road, and overall stress encountered during the commute, which tends to create fatigue and diminish reflexes and attention span, making it harder to focus on the road and making accidents caused by distracted driving more likely to occur.

According to the Houston Fire Department, as much as 20 percent of all fatal crashes may be caused by distracted driving.

The Multitasking Myth and the Resulting Car Accidents, Injuries, and Deaths Caused by Distracted Driving

The idea of multitasking has become ubiquitous in today’s culture as we place an ever-increasing emphasis on productivity, efficiency, and getting the most out of our limited time.

However, the idea of multitasking and the ability to juggle your attention between multiple things at once is largely a myth. In reality, the human brain can only truly focus on one thing at a time, and most perceived “multitasking” involves merely switching from one task to another.

This general principle also applies to driving, where attempts to multitask while operating a vehicle lead to distracted driving, ultimately creating dangers for everyone on the road, increasing traffic congestion, and causing car accidents, some of which result in serious injury or death.

A study by the National Safety Council focused on distracted driving and its consequences summed up what truly happens when we attempt to multitask while driving:

Multitasking is a myth. Human brains do not perform two tasks at the same time. Instead, the brain handles tasks sequentially, switching between one task and another. Brains can juggle tasks very rapidly, which leads us to erroneously believe we are doing two tasks at the same time. In reality, the brain is switching attention between tasks – performing only one task at a time.

Whenever our brains switch between tasks, the process of doing so comes with “switching costs”, the time and effort it takes for our brains to shift its focus and attention from one task to another. When we attempt to perform another task while driving then quickly shift our focus back to operating our vehicle, the result is a delay in processing and reaction time. Due to the split-second decisions and quick reactions often required when driving, this extra delay caused by distracted driving, i.e. attempting to multitask while operating a vehicle, can often cause car accidents, including those that can result in injury or death.

General Commute Times in the Greater Houston Area and How They Contribute to Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

According to a study by Forbes, on average residents of the greater Houston area have the nation’s fourth-longest commute time, averaging approximately 30 minutes on their trip going to and from their jobs. However, in light of the sprawling distance covered by the greater Houston geographic area, these numbers only tell part of the story.

For residents of Katy, Texas, their average daily commute time going to and from work generally averages from 30 minutes to approximately 45 minutes each way, depending on the specifics of where they work, which part of Katy they are coming from, and what time they leave for work and return home. Approximately 84% of Katy residents drive to and work alone.

Residents of Katy, Texas similarly have an average work commute of approximately 38 minutes, with the specifics varying significantly depending on where they work, where they live, and what time of day they drive to and from work. Approximately 72% of Sugar Land residents make the commute to and from work alone..

Residents of Pasadena, Texas spend an average of 32 minutes commuting to and from work, with approximately 80 percent driving to and from work alone.

For residents of Cypress, Texas, their median commute to and from work is approximately 38 minutes each way, and approximately 84% of Cypress residents drive alone to and from work.

Residents of Montgomery County spend an average of 33 minutes commuting to and from work, with 82% making the drive alone.

While these numbers reflect that most average residents of the greater Houston area spend a large portion of their time on the road driving to and from work, the situation is significantly worse for a sizeable portion of people living in the greater Houston area. According to recent studies, approximately 80 thousand residents of the greater Houston area are “super-commuters” generally defined as people who spend significantly more time than average commuting to and from work for various reasons. Often, these reasons are based on economics, as super-commuters” cannot afford to live closer to the location where they work and live in a more affordable area nearby, which forces them to spend significantly more time traveling to and from work than the average residents of their area. In the greater Houston area, super-commuters constitute approximately between 2.5 percent and 3 percent of the total workforce, and they spend an average of 90 minutes each day coming to work and another 90 minutes each day getting home after work.

In summary, the residents of both the City of Houston and the nearby surrounding areas spend a large amount of time on the road driving to and from work, with even those who face relatively shorter commutes spending a lot of their time, energy, and attention navigating the busy roadways and challenging traffic conditions of the greater Houston area. A map showing the average commute time for residents of the greater Houston area by zip code to provide more information about the daily commute conditions faced by Houstonians can be found here: https://simplemaps.com/city/houston/zips/commute-time

It is also important to note that these commuting statistics generally only account for the time that Houstonians spend traveling between home and work. For many residents of the greater Houston area, the time they spend on the road can be even longer than the above numbers show. Examples of this include parents who spend time driving their children to and from school, daycare, and/or afterschool activities. Other examples of situations where Houstonians spend more time on the road than their average daily commute can include running errands such as picking up groceries before or after work, getting together with friends or colleagues for social activities after work before heading home, or traveling to and from the gym, yoga studio, or their other exercise facility of choice before or after work for their daily fitness routine. These common activities and similar other daily tasks can make the commute times discussed above even longer.

There is a limited amount of time that any human being is able to stay alert, pay attention, and focus at peak levels. Although distracted driving and fatigued driving are sometimes treated as different phenomena, research supports what most of us know instinctually: the more tired we get, the harder it is to continue to focus and pay attention, and the easier it is to start getting distracted. This general phenomenon is also true for time periods when we are driving- the more fatigued we become the more likely we are to start becoming distracted and not fully focusing on the road.

How Many Vehicles are there on Houston Roads and How Does the Number of Vehicles Contribute to Distracted Driving Accidents?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the number of registered vehicles in the Houston District (comprised of Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Harris County, Waller County, Galveston County, and Montgomery County) was approximately 5.5 million cars. The average total vehicle miles driven per day in the Houston District for that same time period combined was nearly 100 million miles per day.

These numbers have already likely increased since 2022 and are likely to continue to increase for the foreseeable future as the population of Houston and the surrounding area continues to increase.

Research on issues related to distracted driving is still in its relative early stages. However, several studies have found that distracted driving increases during times of high traffic volume,

Part of the problem is caused by distracted driving itself- studies have found that distracted driving negatively impacts traffic flow and increases traffic congestion, with this phenomenon being most prevalent in situations where the distracted drivers are using cell phones.

How Does the Stress Faced by Houston Drivers Increase Distracted Driving Accidents?

Due to several factors, many Houston drivers face significant amounts of stress in their daily lives. One report found that Houston is the most stressful place in America for workers. Stress has been shown to increase distraction, and exposure to chronic stress can negatively impact the ability to control where we direct our attention.

The stressors faced by Houston drivers, both on a daily basis and over prolonged periods of time, can increase distracted driving, making it more likely for them to eventually be involved in an accident caused by distracted driving.

The Growing Problem of Cell Phone Use While Driving and the Resulting Cause of Distracted Driving Accidents

Perhaps the biggest factor contributing to accidents caused by distracted driving is cell phone use behind the wheel. Use of a cell phone while driving has been shown to increase crash risk, and studies have shown that cell phone use while driving in the United States has increased significantly since the COVID pandemic.

Texas law currently places the following restrictions on cell phone use while driving:

• Drivers may not send or receive text messages while driving
• Drivers with learner’s permits may not use cell phones in the first six months of driving
• No handheld electronic device may be used by a driver in a school zone
• Drivers under the age of 18 may not use handheld electronic devices while driving
• School bus drivers may not use cell phones at all while children are present

Although these restrictions are a start at attempting to address the growing danger of distracted driving caused by cell phone use on Texas roads, they may not be as effective as hoped. A study by the National Safety Council found that hands-free devices offer no safety benefit when driving, and do not eliminate the cognitive distractions of attempted multitasking behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, car accidents caused by distracted driving from cell phone use and other distractive behaviors behind the wheel will likely continue to be an ongoing and increasing problem for the greater Houston area. Even more unfortunately, injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving accidents throughout the Houston area will likely also continue to be a major issue for residents of Houston and the surrounding areas.

Hire the Right Attorneys for Your Distracted Driver Car Accident Injury Claim

The attorneys at the Kishinevsky Law Firm PLLC are here to help. Our law firm has helped numerous clients who were injured in a car accident to obtain full and fair compensation from insurance companies trying to wrongfully deny or low-ball their claim. If you or a loved one is was injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss how we may be able to help with your injury claim.

Many people think they can handle a quick text or phone call while driving. However, even a moment’s distraction can result in a severe accident.

The Scope of the Problem in Houston

Houston is one of the largest cities in the United States, with its bustling streets packed with vehicles. According to recent reports, distracted driving contributes to a large percentage of crashes. Every year, hundreds of accidents happen because drivers simply aren’t paying attention. These accidents aren’t just numbers; they represent real people facing life-altering injuries or even death.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

Many distractions vie for a driver’s attention. Here are a few common culprits:

• Smartphones: Texting or scrolling through social media leads drivers to take their eyes off the road.
• GPS Devices: While helpful, fiddling with a GPS can pull focus from driving.
• Passengers: Engaging in animated conversations can divert attention.
• Eating and Drinking: A messy meal or a hot cup of coffee can cause accidents when drivers juggle their food and the steering wheel.

Each distraction is like a thief, stealing precious seconds that can prevent an accident.

The Impact on Victims and Families

When distracted driving ends in an accident, lives can change forever. Victims may suffer from physical injuries that require treatment, therapy, or even surgery. The emotional toll is equally heavy; families find themselves arranging care, adjusting to new realities, and coping with grief in the worst situations. The repercussions of these accidents ripple through the community, affecting everyone involved.

Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving

In Texas, distracted driving is against the law. If you’re caught texting or using your phone without a hands-free device, you may face fines. More importantly, being responsible for an accident can lead to civil lawsuits and financial difficulty. It’s not just about obeying the law; it’s about the responsibility you have towards yourself and others on the road.

Preventive Measures to Consider

The good news is that many ways exist to combat distracted driving. Here are some practical steps to consider:

• Put Your Phone Away: Place your phone in a glove compartment or a bag to avoid temptation.
• Plan Ahead: Set your GPS before you start driving.
• Limit Passengers: Fewer people means fewer distractions.
• Take Breaks: If you need to eat or drink, pull over safely.

Imagine driving with a clear mind, fully focused on the road. It’s not just a dream; it’s attainable.

Conclusion: The Need for Awareness

Distracted driving in Houston isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a major public safety issue. By understanding its impact and recognizing the distractions that lead to accidents, we can make better choices on the road. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone. The lives saved could be yours or someone you love.