Distracted driving is a serious safety concern for anyone on the road. An increasing number of people struggle to disconnect from their electronic devices while operating motor vehicles. There are also a host of other distractions, from eating to talking with passengers, that increase the risk of a wreck.
The best way for people to reduce their risk of a distracted driving crash is to avoid distraction while they drive. However, they could still end up hurt by someone else who doesn’t pay attention to the road. The three warning signs below might potentially help people identify and avoid distracted drivers.
Drivers looking down at their laps
Rules about cell phone use have changed how people handle phones while driving. Instead of holding them in front of their faces, they may set their phones down in their laps to make it harder for others to detect their misconduct. Drivers who seem to consistently stare down instead of ahead at the road may be more concerned about their phones than they are about traffic safety.
Drivers without both hands on their steering wheels
There are a variety of types of manual distractions that can occur in traffic. Some drivers eat a cheeseburger or a burrito on their way to an appointment. Others handle mobile devices or groom themselves. Letting go of the steering wheel to engage in other activities is a risky decision that far too many drivers make. Taking a hand off the wheel increases a driver’s reaction time in the event of an emergency.
Drivers with multiple visible passengers
Passengers are a common source of distraction for motorists. Parents driving with small children in their vehicles tend to be far more distracted than the average driver. People carpooling with their co-workers may talk about work projects instead of focusing on traffic. Teenagers are more likely to cause crashes when they have their peers in the vehicle with them.
Being aware of factors that might increase a driver’s distraction can help people give other motorists adequate space in traffic and may decrease their risk of a wreck. If a distracted driver does cause a crash, the people affected need to speak up about their concerns and may need help holding them accountable. Requesting financial compensation for injuries and other expenses after a crash is a reasonable choice for those harmed by another’s negligent behavior.