Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020. For this reason, a driver should not be focused on two things, as this takes their attention away from the road.
The following are three distractions that contribute to accidents.
Using the phone
Texting and talking on the phone divert the attention of a driver who may, in turn, lose track of speed, go out of their lane or crash into another car. With life getting busier, most people handle work in the car, or it’s the convenient place to talk to loved ones during the day. Even though this may be viewed as inevitable, it’s dangerous. It is possible to find time to use the phone when not driving, or pull over, if possible, upon receiving an emergency call or text.
Talking to people in the car
Car conversations may make journeys fun, particularly long ones. However, it may not be wise for the driver to engage fully in these conversations, primarily heated or emotional ones. Talking to passengers and taking their eyes off the road may cause someone to get into an accident.
Kids or pets
When kids cry, fight or complain, a driver may try to attend to them, which means they won’t pay attention to the road. When a pet is moving around the car, a driver holding them in place or restricting their movement can be a huge distraction. In both cases, the drivers can easily lose their focus and cause a wreck.
These are a few examples of distractions that drivers should avoid. If you get into an accident caused by a distracted driver, get more information about your case to make informed decisions.