Multitasking While Driving and Other Distracted Driving Behaviors Apart from Texting
Texting while driving is the common disease of negligent drivers. It’s the image of distracted driving that has taken over the public’s imagination. However, many drivers, passengers and even pedestrians across Michigan know that there are many other distractions that can lead to disaster while on the road. Drivers need to check themselves against these distractions to reduce the risk of a serious car accident.
In general, distractions are events or activities which lead to the driver taking their eyes, hands, or overall attention away from their primary concern. Even a split-second away from the road can be the precursor of a big accident.
As traffic gets worse and more cars speed through the highways each year, safe defensive driving becomes more and more critical. At all cost, avoid distractions that take drivers’ attention off the road. Aside from reflecting the driver’s poor control and behavior, distractions also potentially lead to the death or severe injury of another person.
The Clark Law Office will help investigate your accident and establish that a distracted driver may have caused it. After ascertaining a clear link against the at-fault driver, our team of reliable professionals will fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Common Distracted Driving Behaviors
In this fast-paced world, many drivers don’t have the time to stop somewhere to the side of the road to fix their things, do their grooming, or get the latest update. The unfortunate trend towards multitasking while driving has led to clearly distracting behaviors, which must be addressed to prevent accidents.
While drivers can feel invincible, the reality is less optimistic. Other people, such as drivers of other cars, passengers and pedestrians, are vulnerable to accidents caused by distracted driving behaviors.
- Organizing objects inside the vehicle
A driver’s sole responsibility is handling the steering wheel while navigating the environment. There is no room to hold their cellphone, much less any other item inside the vehicle.
Unfortunately, many drivers feel like they have enough dexterity and willpower to multitask while driving. Sometimes it’s something as simple as eating while driving or moving bags away. However, this still provides a distraction for the motorist.
- Dealing with children and pets
Plenty of movement inside the vehicle can already be a cause of distraction and, consequently, accident. Children’s’ tantrums and noisy pets can distract the driver if they are free to roam around the cabin ride.
- Eating
Getting takeout or going for a quick drive- thru can quickly satisfy the stomach, but it can also be a quick recipe for an accident. It can be challenging to control the steering wheel with one hand holding a burger. Plus, hot or cold drink spills can shock the driver and cause a collision.
- Adjusting the car’s settings
Making sure that the side mirrors, entertainment system, and other essentials align with the driver is vital for safe driving. However, it can cause more trouble if the adjustments to these features are made while the driver is moving at a quick speed. Save these adjustments for when the car stops.
- Daydreaming
Daydreaming may seem like a harmless habit, but it can quickly turn disastrous when the person distracted is behind the wheel. Thinking about tonight’s groceries, yesterday’s memories, and today’s interesting problems can be entertaining, but also ultimately distracting.
- Fixing hair, skincare, and makeup
There’s nothing wrong with personal grooming. However, it becomes an obvious problem when grooming gets in the way of safe driving. Something as simple as brushing the hair can already mean one less hand to hold and control the steering wheel.
- Smoking
Smoking isn’t good for the environment, for your health, and the safety of everyone on the road. Any smoke-related activity is dangerous as it occupies the driver’s hands and diverts their field of vision. These activities include lighting cigarettes, vaping or tapping ashes, and especially hand-rolling cigarette rolls,
Getting Assistance in a Distracted Driving Accident
Even if you are the safest driver or most behaved passenger in the world, you can’t escape accidents simply because other drivers aren’t as responsible. If you get injured in an accident caused by a driver being distracted, you need a reliable and expert personal injury team to oversee your case.
You have the right to receive just compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and opportunities for learning, and pain and suffering. Our team of Michigan personal injury lawyers will be aggressive in fighting for maximum compensation. Contact The Clark Law Office today for a free consultation!
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