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100 Most Influential Lawyers in America
– the National Law Journal

Recognize the signs of distracted driving

On Behalf of | Jul 13, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Distracted driving is a dangerous problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 8 people die each day in accidents involving distracted drivers. Distracted drivers allow manual, visual, and cognitive distractions to cloud their focus and draw their attention off the important task of operating their motor vehicles.

The responsibility to drive safely falls on all drivers, including distracted drivers. However, there are preventative steps and signs that drivers can use to notice when they may be in the presence of distracted parties. This post will discuss some of the ways California drivers can stay out of the path of others whose negligence may cause serious motor vehicle accidents.

Signs of distraction in other drivers

In some cases, a driver may actually see another motorist engaged in a visual or manual distraction. A driver may be looking at their smartphone while driving, or even holding it in their hand as they travel down the road. A driver may be eating or trying to calm a pet while behind the wheel of a moving car. A driver may be disciplining kids in the backseat of their vehicle or looking at a map as they drive.

These are obvious signs of distraction. Drivers may also notice other vehicles failing to stay in their lanes or failing to maintain consistent speeds. They may see vehicles making erratic maneuvers or starting and stopping unpredictably.  Whenever a driver notices a driver or vehicle behaving in a dangerous way, it may be a sign of distracted driving.

Practice good driving habits to avoid distracted driving

An alert and careful driver may notice signs of distraction in others, but only if they remain undistracted themselves. One of the best ways to avoid distracted driving accidents is to remain distraction-free in one’s own vehicle. However, when distracted driving accidents happen, victims can seek the recovery of their damages with the support and guidance of trusted personal injury lawyers.