How to Identify a Distracted Driver?

How to Identify a Distracted DriverEven if you’re an exceptional diver, accidents do happen and spare no one. Do not expect drivers of nearby vehicles to abide by the road rules or move through traffic in a predictable manner as you do. You should always be alert of your surroundings to take any preventive measures if necessary.

You will often see today’s drivers multitasking with their tech gadgets behind the wheels. There were 3,166 motor vehicle deaths in 2017 involving distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) texting is on top of the list for the most alarming disruption.

Reading or sending a text message for a few seconds takes your mind off driving, just like covering the length of an entire football field in 60 mph with eyes closed.

Driving should have your full attention any potential distraction increases your risk of collision. Here are some tips to spot a distracted driver and the importance of having a personal injury attorney las vegas by your side.

COGNITIVE DRIVING DISTRACTIONS

How to Identify a Distracted DriverBasically, anything can be considered a cognitive driving diversion which takes your mind away from the traffic conditions around you. Some instances are:

  • Checking on or conversing with passengers
  • Looking over the things-to-do list
  • Peeping at or adjusting the navigation system
  • Wearing headphones
  • Reaching for something
  • Eating and drinking
  • Sprucing yourself

The more attention you give to these tasks the less focused you are on the motorway ahead of you and the more chances you’ll be involved in an accident.

You may not control the other drivers on the road, but you can do your part to eliminate disruptions reducing the risk of collision.

How to Identify a Distracted Driver

SUDDEN BRAKING

Most drivers who sharply applies the brake means they lack attentiveness on the road. So, if you floor the pedal to avoid hitting the car in front of you, it is either you are driving too close or too fast. Be mindful of the gaps between cars, the speed, and the road condition to calmly apply your break.

For example, the traffic in front is reaching a gradual stop and you suddenly pummel on the brakes, most likely you were not focused on the road ahead. Your mind might be wandering or doing some things that caught your attention. You are a distracted driver, response to road situations are slow the mind is not fully engaged in driving.

INABILITY TO MAINTAIN LANE POSITION

This is the trademark of every distracted driver. The eyes are distracted, directed at the dashboard or anything nearby which lasts for several seconds at a time. The visually distracted person may oversteer with hard and quick maneuvers causing the car to drift in and out of the lane.

A vehicle that is floating away from the center of the lane, regardless of whether it doesn’t cross the lines, is a sign that the driver is diverted. Allow some extra space to avoid contact if the driver decides to switch lanes.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT?

How to Identify a Distracted DriverDriving is a complicated activity. You need to focus on the road, the different drivers on the bustling lanes, the pedestrians, the noisy backseat drivers, and everything in between. But no matter how careful you are car accidents do happen.

Here are the things to do to protect yourself and your interests in case of a mishap.

  • Never drive away from the scene of the crime.
  • Keep your flashers on to prevent further accidents.
  • Call the police, they will prepare a report which you can use to file a claim with your insurance company. Make sure to tell the police officer exactly what happened to the best of your knowledge. The vehicle involved in the accident should not be moved unless they interfere with traffic.
  • Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles and your visible injuries, if any.
  • Seek medical care, injuries often are not obvious on the spot and it takes a day or two before the pain is felt.

HIRE THE SERVICES OF A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Importantly, gather all your accident-related documents and information and consult your personal injury attorney in Las Vegas.

Insurance companies will protect their interest by shifting the blame to the drivers involved limiting your compensation in the accident or blame it entirely on you. They will work their way into the legal rudiments of the insurance coverage so they could avoid a full payout.

They would take statements after the accident before helping one receive legal advice. Your personal injury attorney will counsel you on how to be fully compensated for your damaged vehicle and to get the best medical treatment for your injury.

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