Humans aren’t really designed to travel at high speeds. Thus, driving is an activity that takes us out of our comfort zone. Whether we realize it or not, our brains are making major decisions every second that impact our safety.
It goes without saying then that distractions should be kept to a minimum while operating a vehicle. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done and thousands of distracted driving accidents occur every year, with many of them proving fatal.
Outlined below are two of the most common driving distractions:
1. Electronic gadgets
Nowadays, our cell phones can do almost everything. Some drivers even use them for GPS to reach certain locations. While using a phone for only these purposes while driving may be helpful, it’s vital to limit their other functions while operating a vehicle.
Texts, emails and phone calls should all be ignored while in the driver’s seat. One momentary lapse in concentration is all it takes for a deadly accident to occur.
2. Passengers
It can be nice to have some company when on a long journey. An easygoing back-and-forth conversation can make the trip seem much shorter. However, passengers also have the potential to become a distraction.
If you’re taking a friend or family member along for the journey, make sure they know that you need to concentrate. Stay off of serious topics that require a lot of thought, at least until you park up and take a break.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure they don’t have any toys that could turn into missiles if thrown or when coming to a sudden stop. If siblings are showing signs of getting into a heated argument, then pull over safely before it gets out of hand.
You can only control your actions and not those of other people. If a distracted driver has caused you injuries, then you may be able to hold them to account through a personal injury claim. Find out more about your options by seeking some legal guidance.