Driving with loved ones offers various benefits. It allows people to strengthen their relationships by spending quality time together, free from everyday activities. Additionally, they can share experiences visiting new places and facing unexpected situations together.
However, having passengers can also increase the chances of an accident happening. Here is how:
Distraction
A driver having a conversation with a passenger may not be paying attention to driving, particularly when having intense conversations. And this can even worsen if more passengers are in the backseat because the driver may take their eyes off the road to look at them.
A passenger who asks a driver to adjust the radio or climate control diverts the driver’s attention from the road. It can also be risky for a passenger to play loud music or sing because this can make it difficult for the driver to pay attention to driving.
When a driver has children as passengers, they may keep taking their hands off the wheel to help them pick up dropped items or eyes off the road to check if they are okay. Such a driver can cause an accident.
Risky behaviors
It’s not uncommon for passengers to encourage a driver to engage in risky behavior, especially among young people. A teen driver may feel pressured to speed, run a red light or change lanes unsafely because their friends use suggestive remarks. They may also do so to impress them or show off their driving skills.
A teenage driver is more likely to engage in risky behaviors when with other teens than when driving alone or with adult passengers.
Studies have shown that driving with a passenger can contribute to a crash, and the risk of a crash increases with each additional passenger. If you are injured by a distracted driver, seeking legal guidance can help you recover the damages you incur.