Driving may seem like second nature to many people, but it’s still a dangerous activity that requires all of your attention. Being distracted behind the wheel dramatically increases your chances of being involved in a car accident. Understanding distractions and how to avoid them will help keep you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safe.

What Are Common Causes of Distracted Driving?

Talking on the phone and texting pull your attention away from the road. Some states, including Kentucky, have made it illegal to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle.

Changing the radio, adjusting the air conditioner, and eating behind the wheel may seem fairly harmless, but they can distract you long enough to cause a car accident. Even having a pet in the car can be a potentially dangerous distraction.

How Can You Avoid Distracted Driving?

When you’re driving, avoid checking your texts or responding to emails, even for a moment. Replying to a text takes an average of six seconds, which is like driving across a football field with your eyes closed. If you have trouble resisting the distraction, leave your phone in a purse or put it in the glove compartment when you’re driving.

You should also avoid doing other actions that take your attention from the road. These include drinking, eating, applying makeup, or dialing through radio stations when the vehicle is in motion. Buckling in your pets will keep them from climbing into the front seat and pulling your attention away from the road.

How Can You Spot Distracted Drivers?

While you can take precautions to avoid distractions, you can’t control other drivers. Being on the lookout for drivers who aren’t paying attention can give you time to respond if they do something unpredictable.

A driver who crosses the center line and swerves back into their lane may not be paying enough attention to the road. Distracted drivers may not notice changes in traffic, so they’ll brake suddenly instead of coming to a gradual stop. If a vehicle lingers at an intersection after the light turns green, the driver is likely on their phone. 

If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, the personal injury attorneys at Curt Davis Law Office PLLC will hold them accountable. They have decades of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Wayne and McCreary counties and have collected millions of dollars on behalf of their clients. Visit their website to learn how they can help after a car accident, or call (606) 678-2525 to schedule a consultation.