Driving distractions are so dangerous because they take more forms than many people realize. A lot of news reports and other media only look at cellphone use. While phones do bring about distraction through texting, calling, social media and much more, assuming that you are safe as long as you stay off of your phone is risky. Distractions can still happen.
What should you avoid? In a general sense, you should avoid everything that diverts any of your attention from the road, the other traffic or the act of driving your car. You should stay completely focused on driving at all times. Examples of distraction include:
- Changing the radio station, putting in a new CD or bringing up a playlist on your phone
- Adjusting your GPS to add a new destination or to stop guidance
- Talking to a passenger who is in the car with you or a child in the back seat
- Thinking about other events in your life, such as stress at work or at home
- Singing along with your music in the car
- Drinking and eating while you drive
- Watching things or events outside of the car; for example, looking at an accident or reading a billboard
- Doing personal grooming, such as trying to tie your tie or put on your makeup on the way to work
If you read this list and saw things that you do often, you can understand the risks involved. But avoiding them doesn’t guarantee safety, as another distracted driver could hit you. If so, you may need to seek compensation for your medical bills and other such costs.