Recent research studies have revealed that some distractions, such as text messaging while driving, can compromise a motorist's skills and alertness to a degree equal to or greater than the impairment associated with alcohol consumption. Because of the fairly recent development of these problems, there are many places where the laws have not yet been adapted to address this growing concern. New York only enacted legislation to forbid some of these actions in November of 2009. But while there may be areas where engaging in these activities is not expressly prohibited, that does not preclude the victim of a car accident from pursuing a civil judgment against a negligent driver.

America, as a nation, has always been predisposed to encourage and acknowledge hard work and productivity. In response to this cultural value, many citizens have become deeply invested in maximizing their own work and life accomplishments. This has led to the creation of the word "multitasking" and the practices of constantly seeking to find ways to perform more than one task at a time. While this has indeed served the economy well, it is a dangerous and potentially deadly decision for one to make when he or she is behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Driving is inherently hazardous and the accidents that result from a motorist's negligence can cause serious injury to all who are involved. To ensure that one has sufficient time to react to changing roadway conditions, it is essential that a driver's attention is fully directed at the surrounding roadway. Unfortunately, too many drivers are caught up by the following driving distractions:

The victims of distracted driving accidents are likely to require extensive medical care and may also have to cope with other damages.

Though it may seem like a distant and forgotten era of history, a mere few years ago people managed to get through their days without the use of cellular phones. But as an ever increasing portion of the population becomes plugged in, the former solitude of driving is being replaced by an overwhelming number of distractions. The introduction of each additional activity into the confines of an automobile comes with an expanded potential for disaster as drivers pay less attention to the task of safely and securely operating a motor vehicle.