Distracted driving contributes to an alarming number of accidents. With this in mind, it can be beneficial if you can spot a distracted driver sooner.
Here are six signs to help you identify one:
1. Looking down
If a driver is looking down, chances are they are texting, controlling the navigation system or trying to find things under their seats.
2. Holding their phone
A driver holding their phone, either texting or talking to someone, is visually and cognitively distracted – their eyes and mind are off driving. At night, you may notice the glow of a cell phone.
3. Eating/drinking
Although eating/drinking while driving is not uncommon, it’s dangerous. A driver may take their eyes off the road to pick up dropped food or may have poor control of their steering wheel due to sticky hands from greasy food. You may not always see a driver eating – they may be taking food from a bag on their lap. Thus, chewing should be enough to concern you.
4. Swerving
If a driver can’t stay in one lane, they may not be paying attention to the road. They may have their eyes diverted to their GPS device, cell phone or something else.
5. Talking to other people
Drivers who hold conversations with other people in the car are typically distracted even when they keep their eyes on the road. Their minds may be focused on the discussion. You may even notice a driver looking at the back seat constantly, especially if they have kids – they may be solving fights or helping them pick up a toy.
6. Reacting slowly to situations
If a driver takes too long to respond to the green light or brakes erratically because they failed to notice the brake lights from the vehicle ahead sooner and so forth, they may be distracted.
Sharing the road with a distracted driver can endanger you. If you sustain injuries in such a circumstance, consider seeking legal guidance to know your options.