While most people like to think that distracted driving doesn’t happen often, it’s a daily occurrence that happens all around us—and it can be a deadly one. In 2019, the Transport Research Laboratory concluded that distracted driving claims approximately nine lives per day in the U.S., which adds up to 3,500 lives per year.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving. Types of distractions include:
- Texting or talking on your cell phone
- Reaching for an item in your car
- Talking to fellow passengers
- Eating or drinking
- Playing with the navigation or stereo system
Even if you are diligent about ridding yourself of distractions, you are not entirely safe from the possibility of being involved in a car accident. Spotting a driver whose attention is not fully on the road can save you money, time, and your life. Our experienced attorneys want to outline possible warning signs of a distracted driver and help avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
3 Types of Distracted Driving
There is more than one way to get distracted while behind the wheel. Here are three types of distracted driving:
- Manual Distraction: The driver takes their hands off the steering wheel to complete another task.
- Visual Distraction: The driver’s eyes are taken off of the road.
- Cognitive Distraction: A driver’s attention diverts to something else, such as daydreaming or road rage.
4 Signs To Look For
You can protect yourself from distracted drivers by keeping an eye out for motorists who display the following warning signs:
1. Bent Posture
If a fellow driver appears to be bending over or looking at something in their lap, they are potentially looking at their cell phone. If not their cell phone, they might also be looking for an item they dropped on the floor. During their search, they take their full attention off the road and cars around them.
2. Inconsistent Speed
A car failing to maintain a consistent speed by erratically speeding up and slowing down can mean the driver is too preoccupied to focus on the road or speed limit.
3. Chewing
Do you notice someone chewing? It can mean the driver is eating behind the wheel. Frequently reaching for or unwrapping tasty treats can divert their attention from the road and onto their meal.
4. Frequent Braking
A car that is frequently and suddenly braking is one of the most common signs of distracted driving. When the driver’s attention is elsewhere, they don’t notice the flow of traffic and need to slam on the brakes once they realize other cars have slowed down.
If you notice signs of a distracted driver, proceed with caution. Should you feel unsafe, we recommend pulling over in a parking lot or side street to avoid a potential collision. Keeping these signs in mind will assist in the fight against distracted driving!
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident involving a distracted driver, our experienced attorneys are ready to take your call at (713) 999-4801.
