Distracted driving is a serious issue on the roads in the United States, leading to many accidents, injuries and even fatalities every single year. It’s important to know exactly what type of activities you should avoid so that you can stay safe.
This doesn’t guarantee you won’t be injured in the crash, of course. There’s always the risk of being hit by a distracted driver who is sharing the road with you. But understanding why these crashes occur is the first step to take.
Texting and driving
The most common type of distraction comes from the phone, and many of these issues involve texting while behind the wheel. People often simply assume that they can quickly send a text without it being too dangerous, but it only takes a split second for the car to drift over the centerline.
Talking to passengers
Having people in the car with you also increases the odds of a distraction. This is even true for parents who have their own children in the car. They may not be able to avoid driving with kids, but they need to know that it increases the accident risks.
Eating and drinking
Drinking a cup of coffee on the way to work or eating a hamburger on the way home at the end of the day can both lead to accidents. It is best for people to always have two hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
Making adjustments in the car
Unfortunately, even things that you have to do in the car may qualify as distractions. For instance, a driver could be distracted while they try to adjust the mirrors or change the radio station.
Looking at things outside of the car
When a driver gets distracted by something outside of the car, it may pull their eyes away from the road in front of the vehicle. One of the most common ways that this happens is when there is an accident on the side of the road and drivers who are going by begin rubbernecking and gawking at this accident.
If you have been hit by a distracted driver and suffered serious injuries, then it’s important to know how you can seek financial compensation.