The team at Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys can’t change the fact that innocent people become victims due to various distractions. But we will help you recover what you’re owed by law. We’re dedicated to standing up for the rights of distracted driving accident victims in Wichita and throughout the state of Kansas.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents
Immediately following the accident, look to take action! Proving what form of distraction took place during the accident could drastically increase the value of your case.
For example, if the at-fault party admits to you they were on their phone, you need to go tell the responding officer immediately! Getting that information in the police report can turn a limited-value case into a much higher-value case.
Here are some of the most common distracted driving behaviors and activities that contribute to accidents in Wichita, KS:
- Looking at text messages, emails, videos, or other online content
- Scrolling through or writing text messages
- Searching for items that dropped onto the floor of the vehicle
- Adjusting music volume, heating and air conditioning, or other dashboard controls
- Rubbernecking at billboards, crashes, or other items of interest on the side of the road
- Combing hair, applying makeup, shaving, or changing clothes
- Eating food, drinking beverages, opening packages, or smoking
- Rummaging in purses, wallets, or bags to find items
- Turning around to interact with children, pets, or other passengers
- Becoming absorbed in conversations, media, or daydreams
Distracted Driving Laws in Wichita, Kansas
Distracted driving is undoubtedly a problem in both Wichita and throughout Kansas. In a single recent year, driver inattention, mobile phone use, and various other distractions were reported as contributing factors in nearly 14,000 Kansas car accidents.
Although driver distraction takes many forms, one of the most prevalent and dangerous types of distraction comes from handheld cell phones and electronic devices. Kansas’ cell phone laws discourage distracted driving behaviors and reduce the rate of distraction-related car accidents. They include the following:
- All drivers are prohibited from texting on handheld cell phones or manually entering text on any handheld communication device while driving.
- Drivers between the ages of 14 and 17 who are driving with learner’s permits cannot use cell phones or other wireless communication devices for any purpose while driving, even if they are hands-free.
Several important exceptions apply to the statewide ban on texting while driving, including the following:
- Dialing a number to make otherwise hands-free phone calls
- Voice-operated technology that doesn’t require the manual manipulation of a device
- Receiving or reporting information about emergencies, traffic alerts, or hazardous weather alerts
- Receiving navigation- or vehicle-related messages on phones
- Using a device to prevent property damage or injury to another person
- Law enforcement officers and emergency service workers acting within the scope of their official duties
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