The dangers of distracted driving have been extensively highlighted in recent years and especially this month, as April is distracted driving awareness month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accidents account for over 3,000 fatalities every year.
Cell phones are a factor in many of these crashes, but not all distractions stem from cell phone use. Some common driving distractions may come as a surprise. Here are a few things to consider.
Non-physical distractions
A driver can become distracted without holding on to any device or engaging in another activity while driving. “Lost in thought” distractions are a form of cognitive distraction that can be very dangerous. Intense feelings and emotions can take a driver’s mind away from where it needs to be. For instance, a driver may have had a heated argument with their spouse immediately before setting off. It can take some time to cool off after such incidents and they tend to stick in the mind. All the time that a driver is thinking about that argument is time spent away from focusing on road hazards.
Pets
For many people, their favorite activity is taking their dog on road trips and adventures. This is all well and good, as long as the dog is securely fastened within the vehicle. Ideally, the dog should be in a crate in the trunk. Not only does this keep them safe, but it also reduces the chances that they distract the driver when sitting up front.
Limiting your distractions while driving will help to protect you. Unfortunately, you cannot stop other drivers from becoming distracted. If you have been injured in a road traffic collision, seeking legal guidance will help you uncover whether negligence was a factor.
