The Dangers of Distracted Driving and How to Spot an Inattentive Driver
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eight people are killed every day in the U.S. in collisions with distracted drivers. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer about your legal options.
Why Distracted Driving is Dangerous
Distracted driving occurs when drivers engage in any activity that diverts their focus from the road. Common distractions that drivers are faced with include talking on the phone, reading text messages, changing the radio station, and reaching for items in the vehicle.
When drivers take their attention off the road for any reason, they cannot see other vehicles and hazards on the road. For example, if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly, the distracted driver may not notice in time to avoid crashing into that vehicle.
Ways to Spot a Distracted Driver
There will always be distracted drivers on the road. However, that does not mean you cannot take steps to avoid them. Here are a few ways to recognize a distracted driver.
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The driver hits the brakes abruptly. While you are on the road, look out for drivers who suddenly slam their brakes when traffic comes to a stop. When drivers do this, it can mean they were not paying attention to the road.
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The driver has headphones on. A driver who is wearing headphones is likely listening to music or talking on the phone. Either act can divert that driver’s focus off the road, so try to keep your distance.
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The driver fails to use turn signals. If you notice that a driver is not using turn signals when turning, stay far away from that vehicle. The driver is likely too focused on other activities to make proper turn signals.
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The driver is frequently interacting with passengers. Drivers are bound to talk to their passengers from time to time. However, if you notice that a driver is interacting with the people in the vehicle more frequently than paying attention to the road, you should steer clear.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html
