Signs Of Distracted Driving To Watch Out For

Distracted driving continues to be a pervasive problem on roads around the world. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed the lives of more than 3,000 Americans in 2020 alone. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common signs of distracted driving so that you can be aware of what is going on around you while you’re on the road.

If you have been involved in an automobile crash and believe that the other driver was distracted, contact our knowledgeable lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez to explore your legal options. Our Boca Raton texting and driving lawyers can help you gather all available evidence to prove that the other driver was distracted by his/her phone to ensure that you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

5 Common Signs of Distracted Driving on the Road

By understanding what common signs of distracted driving look like, we can identify these behaviors early and make sure our own actions behind the wheel remain safe while also minimizing potential risks associated with other drivers who may be distracted.

Some of the most common signs of distracted driving to watch out for on the road include but are not limited to:

1. Running Red Lights / Ignoring Traffic Signs

One of the most obvious signs of distracted driving is running red lights or ignoring traffic signs. If there is no traffic in sight, the driver may be more likely to ignore a stop sign or run a red light. This often leads to dangerous situations and can easily cause an accident if any other cars are in the vicinity.

2. Weaving in and Out of Traffic Lanes

Another common sign of distracted driving is weaving in and out of lanes. This behavior indicates that the driver is not paying attention to their surroundings and may be more focused on something else going on inside or outside of their vehicle. Swerving between lanes at high speeds can lead to crashes with vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes.

3. Looking Down or Holding a Phone Up

Distracted drivers often have their heads down or are holding a phone up while they drive. This behavior usually indicates that they are texting, checking social media, or doing something else that takes their eyes off the road. All of these activities can easily lead to an accident if done while driving. If you see someone engaging in this type of behavior, it’s best to give them plenty of space and keep your distance from them as much as possible until they reach their destination safely.

4. Failing to Maintain a Consistent Speed

When someone is driving distractedly, they tend not to maintain a consistent speed, either too slow for normal traffic flow or too fast for conditions like wet roads. Drivers who cannot maintain a consistent speed may experience difficulty staying within one lane, which can put them into contact with vehicles traveling next to them, leading to serious collisions if not avoided quickly enough. This is why it’s crucial for drivers to remain focused when behind the wheel and drive within posted speed limits at all times.

5. Hitting the Brakes Suddenly

The last sign of distracted driving that we’ll discuss is hitting the brakes suddenly and frequently. This could indicate that the driver has noticed something in front of them but was unable to react in time due to being preoccupied with something else inside or outside their vehicle. This can cause the motorist to brake suddenly with little warning for other vehicles nearby, which could potentially lead to an accident if another car isn’t able to respond quickly enough before impact occurs.

Contact Leifer & Ramirez for Legal Help

Distracted driving remains one of the biggest causes of car accidents today despite its dangers being well-documented by safety experts around the world for many years now. If you can identify signs of distracted driving on the road, you can minimize the risk of getting into a preventable collision with a driver who does not pay attention to the road. If you were involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our skilled lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez can help you pursue compensation for your damages and losses. Call 561-660-9421 for a free case review.

Source:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving