Driver distraction is a major contributing factor to collisions that injure motorists and pedestrians. Yet many people drive distracted because they are unaware of the full range of things that can constitute distracted driving.
Understanding that it is about more than just putting your phone away can help you avoid mistakes and, if needed, help you pinpoint what another driver who injures you might have done wrong.
1. Moving your hands off the wheel
You should always try to keep both hands on the wheel. This allows you to steer better, reducing the chance you lose control of your vehicle or fail to avoid a hazard that springs up in front of you.
2. Moving your eyes off the road
You should ensure your eyes remain on the road at all times. A combination of looking through your windshield and side windows, and checking your mirrors, gives you advance notice of any dangers ahead and lets you know it is safe to maneuver. If you let your eyes wander elsewhere, even for a moment, you could miss something vital.
3. Moving your thoughts off driving
Driving well requires a lot of thought, and it sometimes requires quick processing of new information – such as a car suddenly pulling out of a side street – to decide how best to react. If you are thinking about something else while driving, be it a conversation with your passenger or what to cook for dinner, you reduce your brain’s ability to make the right decisions in time.
Each road traffic accident and resultant injury claim is unique, so consulting a legal professional can provide clarity and tailored advice.