Posted on Monday, January 17th, 2022 at 1:30 am
The most recent statistics show that each year 920,000 motor vehicle accidents are caused by distracted driving. While the first image that might come to mind is someone texting or talking on their cell phone, there are many other forms of distracted driving. Eating, putting on makeup, reading the paper, adjusting the GPS, and even tuning to a different radio station are all examples of actual physical distractions. Other drivers are mentally distracted either by a problem on their minds or just zoned out from too many hours spent in online meetings. One way to avoid getting into an accident with a distracted driver is to recognize the warning signs that one is in front of you. Below are seven signs that may indicate a driver is not fully focused on the road:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Repeatedly drifting out of their lane or crossing the centerline
- Appears to be looking down frequently or visibly using their phone
- Failing to use turn signals
- Hitting the breaks suddenly and frequently
- Driving at inconsistent speeds; speeding up and slowing down without any obvious cause
- Movement in the back seat of the car from children or pets
All of these are potential indicators of a distracted driver. If you notice a driver in your vicinity exhibiting one or more of these behaviors take action to prevent getting into an accident with them. Keep plenty of space between you and the distracted driver. Rear-end collisions are a common type of crash that can occur in distracted driver situations. Being vigilant about what’s happening on the road around you and employing defensive driving skills in the presence of a driver who may not have his or her eyes or mind on the road is the best way to protect yourself and your passengers.
Have you or a loved one been a victim of a DUI, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, dog attack, or a slip and fall incident? If so, Tiemann Law Firm can help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, same-day consultation by calling: (916) 999-9000 or toll-free: (800) 712-2000.