Distracted driving is a safety concern in every U.S.state. Driving while distracted makes a crash much more likely.
Yet, if you are like many people, you might view distracted driving as something that others are guilty of — not you. Consider the following to see if you are correct or if you practice distracted driving without realizing it.
Eating or drinking in the car
Certainly, many people do eat and drink while they drive, but if you think about it, doing it is distracting. You can’t hold the steering wheel as well, and the act of eating or drinking takes up a lot of your attention – attention that cannot, therefore, be on the road.
Talking to passengers
“What?” you ask. Am I meant to be rude and ignore those traveling with me? Sometimes you probably should. If you are engrossed in a conversation, or thinking about how to respond to what someone just said, you cannot give as much mental focus to the road.
Adjusting things in your vehicle
Surely that’s what those buttons, levers and dials are there for? To use? They are, but you need to use them wisely. Adjusting your seat or steering wheel while driving is dangerous and distracting. Adjusting the radio and airflow is also distracting. It’s best to set things up before you start moving.
As you can see, there’s a good chance you have driven while distracted at some point. If a crash occurs, don’t be surprised if the other party claims you were distracted, even if you were not and the crash was entirely their fault. Getting assistance to dispute their claims and pinpoint what they did wrong can help you get the compensation you need.