Distracted driving is a problem on our roads all year long. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1,100 people suffer injuries each day in this country by distracted drivers. However, April has been designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Therefore, this seems like a good time to discuss how you can spot a distracted driver.
Distracted driving often involves the use of a hand-held phone or other devices. However, even talking or communicating on social media, via text or email using hands-free technology can take your eyes and mind away from the road.
Even if you don’t see someone holding a phone or wearing headphones, you can often spot a distracted driver by their driving. By being able to identify someone who’s not paying adequate attention behind the wheel, you may be able to put a safe distance between your vehicle and theirs. You may also report the driver to authorities (once you can safely pull over and call 911) and potentially save countless lives.
Some telltale signs of distracted driving include:
- Not responding promptly to traffic light changes — particularly if they don’t move when a light turns green
- Sudden braking — This can mean they aren’t watching what the car ahead is doing. It can cause a chain-reaction collision.
- Veering into another lane — This can be a sign of distracted, impaired or drowsy driving.
If despite your best efforts to avoid distracted drivers you suffer injuries in a crash caused by one, it’s wise to determine your legal options for seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other financial costs and damages.
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