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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do not take the chance

If you believe that another driver is distracted, distance yourself safely. Speeding ahead of a reckless driver may startle them into causing an accident, so back away slowly, and stay in the lane that is furthest away.