Everybody knows that texting and talking on the phone while you’re driving is dangerous. is why That is there are so many laws about cellphone use behind the wheel.
Did you know that there are a lot of other distractions that can affect driving safety? Many of them are so common that most people don’t even consider them “distractions.” Here are a few.
Eating and drinking
Using a drive-thru to grab a quick bite for lunch, dinner or while shopping and picking up a coffee during the morning commute are part of everyday life. However, when a driver is eating or drinking, they have at least one hand off the wheel and their focus is divided. A coffee spill at the wrong moment can easily cause a wreck.
Listening to loud music
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that listening to music while driving is so mentally distracting that it is likely responsible for about 25% of all traffic accidents. Loud music can also increase the likelihood of aggressive driving, like tailgating. People get lost in their tunes and may mentally “check out” from driving.
Talking with passengers
Whether they’re arguing with a spouse, trying to get the kids to stay in their seats for a few more minutes or just catching up on the gossip with their best friend, good conversation can actually be a bad thing when someone is driving. The mental energy it takes to focus on whatever a passenger is saying can be hugely distracting.
The reality is that distracted driving is a big problem in this nation – and it’s one of the leading causes of serious car accidents. If you fall victim to a distracted driver, you have every right to expect fair compensation for your injuries and other financial losses.
