Signs of a distracted driver
There is very little that a safe driver can do to stop a distracted driver from continuing his or her reckless behavior. It is up to safe drivers to recognize signs of distracted drivers so that they can avoid these threats on the roads. Spotting the signs can save not only your life but also the lives of others.
4 Common Signs a Driver is Distracted
Despite the efforts that states have made to combat distracted driving, the dangerous habit persists. To help drivers stay safe, here are some telltale signs of distracted driving.
1). Irregular speeds
When a driver is not focusing on what they are doing behind the wheel, it can result in them either speeding or driving noticeably under the speed limit. When the driver finally recognizes this, he or she may overreact to correct, which can cause an accident.
2). Drifting or swerving
When drivers take their hands off the wheel to adjust the radio, reach for something, or eat, the car can begin to wander outside of its lane. This is especially dangerous if the driver drifts into oncoming traffic, which gives them less time to reach to their mistake.
3). Reckless passengers
If the passengers of a vehicle are disruptive, or if too many people are in the car, the driver may lose focus of the road. Even a few seconds of not looking at the highway is comparable to driving hundreds of yards while blindfolded.
4). Disruptive lights
If the cabin light in a vehicle is on, it may be because the driver is looking for something. Also, it can be easy to see light from a cell phone at night. If a driver’s face is illuminated from a light near their lap, chances are they are not paying attention to the road.
The Leading Causes of Distracted Driving
Basically, anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road is a distraction. The overall cause of distracted driving is complacency. People who have been driving for many years, particularly if they’re driving to or from work or some other route they regularly travel, can forget just how much responsibility being behind the wheel entails. When drivers are tired, angry or in a hurry, their focus can be even further impaired.
So what are the most common causes of distracted driving? A look at data compiled by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System found that well over half (62 percent) of distracted driving deaths were caused by a driver being “lost in thought.” Cellphone use actually came in a distant second at 12 percent.
Third, at 7 percent, was something or someone outside the vehicle. We’ve all seen (and possibly been guilty of being) looky-loos at the scene of an accident. Sometimes, even people in other vehicles catch drivers’ attention.
People inside the vehicle were the fourth most frequent cause of distracted driving fatalities, at 5 percent. This is a particular danger for teen drivers, who often have multiple friends in the car with them.
Rounding out the top 10 at 1 or 2 percent each are:
- Reaching for something in the car
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the temperature or audio controls
- Adjusting seatbelts, mirrors and other devices
- Moving objects
- Lighting or putting out a cigarette
If you’re involved in a crash that was the fault of another driver, it’s important that the investigation determine whether that driver was distracted by something prior to or at the time of the crash. Determining this can help you as you seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Source: SafeStart, “Top 10 Causes of Distracted Driving–and What They All Have in Common,” accessed Feb. 13, 2018