When most people think about driving distractions, they just think about texting and driving. They know that they shouldn’t get their phone out and text anyone while behind the wheel, and they shouldn’t even read a text that comes in while they’re driving. In fact, there are apps that you can use to turn off this functionality so you don’t even get the notification.
It is true that cellphones are responsible for the majority of distracted driving accidents. As a result, it is important for you to stay off of the phone in the car. But it’s also wise to think about the fact that distractions go far beyond cellphone use and may be more common than you knew.
Examples of potential distractions
To show you how hard it is to avoid distractions in the car, here are some things that could lead to an accident:
- Changing the radio station
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Talking to children
- Dealing with pets
- Programming the GPS
- Reading a billboard
- Gawking at another accident
- Adjusting the mirrors
- Adjusting the seat
- Listening to music
As you can see, you certainly don’t need a phone to be distracted in the car. The simple fact of who you have in the vehicle with you can be distracting, along with things that you have to do in order to drive, such as adjusting the mirrors or the steering wheel.
Even if you do your best to avoid distractions, the fact that they are so common means you could still be injured by another distracted driver. If this does happen to you, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for your medical bills and other costs.