Thousands of people in Wisconsin get hurt in crashes linked to distracted driving every year. If someone else’s distraction caused a crash that injured you, you don’t have to figure out the next steps on your own. A Wisconsin car accident lawyer can review the details of the accident, explain your legal options, and help you demand accountability and fair compensation.
Distracted Driving Statistics in Wisconsin
Data suggests that distracted drivers caused 9,261 crashes in Wisconsin in one recent year. These crashes injured 3,586 people and killed 23. That means someone got hurt or died in a distracted driving accident about every 2.4 hours statewide. Additionally, distracted driving accidents reportedly occurred somewhere in Wisconsin once every 22 minutes.
Most of these crashes involving distracted drivers (62 percent) happened in urban areas. Top driver distractions included other people or objects outside the car, reaching for something inside the car, talking with passengers, getting lost in thought, and adjusting music or temperature settings.
Distracted driving crashes occurred most frequently between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., especially on Fridays. August had the most distracted driving crashes, while February had the fewest. Young adults between 25 and 34 caused more of these crashes than any other age group.
Types of Distracted Driving and Real Examples
Driving distractions fall into three main categories. Visual distractions cause you to take your eyes off the road. Manual distractions prompt you to take your hands off the wheel. Cognitive distractions are distractions that take your mind off driving. Any of these can raise the chance of a crash, and some distractions combine all three.
Real-world examples of driving distractions that increase crash risk include:
- Texting or scrolling – Takes your eyes, hands, and focus away from driving
- Eating or drinking – Makes you hold food or drinks instead of the wheel
- Adjusting GPS or playlists – Causes you to look at a screen and tap buttons
- Talking to passengers or children – Shifts your attention away from the road
- Reaching for items in the car – Makes you lean or turn, taking focus off driving
Each of these actions can increase the risk of crashing, even if you are only focused on them for a few seconds. Many involve more than one type of distraction at once.
Wisconsin Distracted Driving Laws
Wisconsin law bans any activity behind the wheel that interferes or even appears to interfere with safe driving. If a driver’s actions seem like they could impair the ability to stay in control of the vehicle, law enforcement can issue a citation. Officers don’t need to witness a crash or another violation first. If they see you doing something that distracts you from the task of driving, they can pull you over.
Wisconsin also specifically bans texting and emailing while driving for all drivers. Drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license cannot use a phone at all except to call for emergency help. Commercial drivers cannot hold a cell phone, dial, or even reach for one in a way that takes them out of their driving position. In construction zones, no driver may use a hand-held phone for any reason besides reporting an emergency.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Looking away from the road, even for a few seconds, can have devastating consequences. A car moving at highway speed can cover the length of a football field in under five seconds. During that time, a driver could miss a stoplight, a slowing car, or someone crossing the street.
Many distraction-related crashes happen because someone thought they had time to check a message or grab something, only to realize their mistake too late. Motor vehicle crashes happen quickly, and distractions leave drivers little to no time to react. People can get hurt not just in the car that causes the crash, but in nearby vehicles, too. Distracted driving also puts bystanders, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving in Wisconsin
You can’t stop the risky driving behaviors of others, but you can make smart choices to avoid causing a distracted driving crash. Here’s what you can do to prevent distracted driving in Wisconsin:
- Put your phone away before you start driving – Turn it off, silence it, or place it out of reach so you don’t feel tempted to check it.
- Set up your GPS and music before you hit the road – Make all necessary adjustments before you drive so you can limit cell phone use while driving.
- Secure loose items in the car – Stow bags, drinks, or other objects out of sight so you don’t feel the need to reach for them while driving.
- Pull over if you need to do something – If you need to check your phone, respond to a message, or help a passenger, stop in a safe place first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many have questions about what counts as distracted driving and what state laws allow. Below are answers to some of the most common distracted driving questions Wisconsin drivers ask.
Is distracted driving a primary offense in Wisconsin?
Yes. In Wisconsin, texting while driving is a primary offense. That means police can stop you solely for texting behind the wheel, even if you are following all other traffic laws.
How many points do you get for distracted driving in Wisconsin?
If you get a ticket for inattentive driving, you receive four demerit points on your license. The points double if you hold a probationary license or instruction permit and already have a moving violation.
Can I use GPS while driving in Wisconsin?
Yes. The law allows GPS use as long as it doesn’t distract you. However, you shouldn’t look away from the road for long periods to consult your GPS, and you should never adjust GPS settings while driving.
Is eating while driving illegal in Wisconsin?
The law doesn’t ban eating while driving directly. However, if eating or drinking keeps you from driving safely, you could still get a ticket for inattentive driving. If something takes your hands or focus away from the road, it counts as an unlawful distraction.
Stay Focused, Stay Safe, Don’t Drive Distracted
If you were hurt in a Wisconsin car accident involving a distracted driver, get medical help right away and gather as much evidence as possible. Then, contact a lawyer before you talk to the insurance company. The team at Schwaba Law Firm can review your case and answer your questions during a free consultation. Contact us now to learn more about your rights and what steps to take next.
