Distracted driving is one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents in Florida and around the country. Even if you drive proactively, you can’t prevent all accidents if other motorists engage in this type of behavior. These tips help you identify distracted drivers and avoid a dangerous situation.
The different types of distracted driving
Distracted driving is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Three main types of distracted driving lead to car accidents. These are cognitive, manual and visual distractions. Cognitive occurs when a driver is talking, texting, or arguing with another driver. Manual distraction occurs when someone takes their hands off the wheel. Visual distraction happens when you look at your GPS, view the scenery around you, etc.
Signs of distracted driving
Many times, you can readily see when another driver is distracted. These include:
- Chewing, drinking or eating
- Failing to maintain a consistent speed
- Interaction with others in the vehicle
- Looking down or maintaining a bent-over position
- Hitting the brakes suddenly and frequently
If you notice a driver is doing any of these actions, that motorist is distracted and could even be intoxicated. Pulling over to the side of the road and letting several minutes pass before you start driving again could make the difference between getting in an accident and avoiding one.
Getting the compensation you deserve
Distracted driving can result in severe personal injuries that are not your fault. It’s a form of negligence, meaning you can file a lawsuit against the offending driver.
Money received from a successful claim can help pay for medical treatments from the injuries you or passengers in your vehicle suffered due to a distracted driver, as insurance payments are frequently not enough. You can also use the compensation to help make up for lost wages.
