Distracted driving comes in many forms, which is part of the reason that it is such a big issue on the roads today. Thousands of people suffer fatal injuries in accidents caused by distracted driving, while many more suffer injuries that are survivable, but still serious.
It’s important for drivers to understand exactly what they should and should not do behind the wheel in order to prevent causing a wreck. To that end, these are five of the most common types of distracted driving and many of the reasons why such crashes keep happening.
Phone use
Above all else, modern smartphones distract drivers. Studies suggest that for every hour that someone spends driving, they’re on their phone for an average of over a minute and a half. One of the most common issues is texting and driving, although talking and driving is also dangerous.
Technology use
It’s not just phones that are problematic, but any type of technology. For instance, using a GPS device, whether it’s on your phone or in the car, can cause you to look away from the road. A similar issue occurs when people use their phones to stream music and spend time looking for songs or playlists.
Passengers
Additionally, passengers are known to be a form of distraction, and this is especially a problem when teenagers are behind the wheel. But this can also be a particularly problematic issue for parents who are driving with their young children as passengers in the car.
Outside distractions
It’s not just things inside a car that can be a distraction. Drivers also need to consider what’s happening around them. For instance, drivers have caused accidents when looking at billboards or even gawking and rubbernecking at an accident that has already happened.
Daydreaming
Finally, it’s important to remember that distraction may occur solely in the mind. Drivers may cause accidents because they are worrying, daydreaming or simply getting lost in thought. Drivers will sometimes arrive at their destination with little memory of driving there, an indication that they may have been thinking about something else the entire time.
These are just five examples, but they show how prevalent distractive driving is. Those who have been injured as a result of a distracted driver’s choices may benefit from seeking legal guidance.