Distracted driving is often linked to cellphone use. And there’s a good reason for it. Many states have banned using handheld devices or texting and driving. These things have led to a lot of car accidents that, in turn, lead to severe injuries, and they are no longer allowed as a result.
That being said, it’s important for drivers to remember that phones are not the only thing that can lead to distracted driving accidents. Let’s look at a few other examples.
Common activities are still distracting
The thing to remember is that many activities that are quite common can still be significant distractions, even if drivers don’t necessarily realize how distracted they are. Some examples of this include:
- Changing the radio station or using a phone to select a song or playlist
- Talking to passengers
- Trying to restrain pets that are riding in the car
- Adjusting the mirrors
- Adjusting the seat or the steering wheel
- Typing a destination into a GPS or updating one while driving
- Looking at things on the side of the road, such as other accidents or street signs
- Eating or drinking
- Doing personal grooming
Finally, some things that people do without even taking their eyes off the road can be a distraction. For example, drivers make more mistakes when they listen to loud, fast music or music that they particularly enjoy. Simply having the radio on could cause an accident. That’s crucial because the vast majority of people do listen to music while they drive.
Those who have been injured in these accidents may find themselves facing significant medical expenses. If this happens to you, you need to know how to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.