Five Not-So-Well-Known Driving Distractions That Increase Your Risk Of A Motor Vehicle Accident You Probably Don’t Know About
Distracted driving involves driving while engaging in another activity that takes away your attention from driving. The CDC estimates that approximately eight people in America are killed in collisions involving a distracted driver every day. According to the CDC, at 55 miles per hour, reading or sending a text message is the same as driving the length of one football field with your eyes shut. Unfortunately, even with so many people and entities out there discouraging distracted driving, this dangerous behavior continues to endanger the lives of many road users.
In the following sections, get to learn about five not-so-well-known driving distractions that increase your risk of a motor vehicle accident.
Grooming, Changing or Applying Makeup
People think that applying makeup, changing their clothes, or combing their hair while driving saves time. But, the reality is that these types of distractions are quite risky and can end up costing you more than you can ever imagine. Such behaviors often force a driver’s hands off the steering wheel. When driving, you don’t want your hands off the wheel at any given time. Unfortunately, many teenagers admit to changing clothes and shoes while driving. Many teenagers also confess to putting on makeup behind the wheel.
Loud and Disorderly Passengers
Disorderly passengers or passengers that are too loud can be a distraction to a driver. For example, a driver might find themselves visually and/or cognitively distracted by passengers if the passengers are engaged in a heated debate.
Reaching for Something
Many drivers do not recognize the behavior of reaching for things while driving as one of the distracted driving behaviors, but the reality is that it is. When you twist and strain to get a hold of something on the floor of your vehicle, for instance, while driving, you lose some control over the steering wheel and increase your risk of being in an accident.
Driving With a Pet
There are many risks associated with driving with a pet, and one of these risks is driver distraction. It is crucial to note that both restrained and unrestrained pets can be a distraction. An unrestrained pet who can’t sit still or remain in the back seat, for instance, can hinder a driver’s ability to drive. Also, with a pet in the car, a driver can easily get distracted by holding the pet or petting them.
Rubbernecking
Rubbernecking involves a driver turning their head to stare at something, such as an accident. Such behavior is quite dangerous because it takes a driver’s visual and mental attention away from the vehicles ahead of them.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If another distracted driver caused an accident that left you injured, reach out to an attorney for legal help. Our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you hold the negligent driver liable and obtain the compensation you are entitled to. Do not allow an aggressive at-fault party or insurance company to intimidate you into settling for less than you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Bradenton, and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html
