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Ten Dangerous Distracted Driver Habits

Distracted driving in Houston is the most common cause of auto accidents. If you have recently become the victim of a car accident, it is likely that the other driver was engaging in some type of distracting behavior. As you and your auto accident lawyer pursue your case, search for evidence of driving distractions, such as texting. Proving that the other driver was engaged in any of these common distracting behaviors can bolster your auto accident claim.

Few people leave home without their smartphones in their pockets. As they drive, some feel tempted to multitask and respond to their text messages. Even a moment of inattention from these drivers can cause a serious accident.

Many snacks come in packages that demand special attention to open. Drivers must often remove their hands from the steering wheel to battle with stubborn packaging. Even after the snack has been successfully extracted, drivers often struggle to maintain control of their vehicles while they eat; preventing food from spilling often demands that the driver devote precious attention to the food instead of traffic.

Working on hair and makeup while driving is a great way to cause a fender-bender. Both of these tasks require the driver to use their mirrors to look at themselves instead of the road. Even if the driver does not cause an accident while fixing their hair or makeup, they may fail to properly adjust their mirrors afterward, increasing the chance of colliding with a vehicle in their blind spot.

Interacting with Passengers
Getting caught up in deep discussions about the latest local news story, family matters, etc. can distract drivers. Young children, especially unhappy children, can also draw drivers’ attention away from the road. Drivers who become too involved with in-car drama may even turn away from the road to interact with their passengers, seriously increasing the risk of an accident.

Adjusting Gadgets
Drivers on unfamiliar routes often rely on a GPS unit to help them find their way. GPS units and other car gadgets can seize the attention of drivers, especially if something goes wrong with the device. Adjusting these gadgets can force the driver to take their hands off of the steering wheel and their eyes off of the road.

Fumbling around with a phone is a good way to lose concentration. Holding the phone can decrease a driver’s control over their car, and the conversation can also pull the driver’s focus away from the road. Additionally, talking on the phone while driving is illegal in some situations and locations.

Drowsy Driving
Many studies have shown that driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving while drunk. Drowsy drivers often struggle to stay within their lanes and avoid other drivers. Driving while sleepy dramatically increases the chances for a driver to completely lose control of their vehicle.

Watching Roadside Distractions
Major roadways are surrounded by distractions, from advertisements to emergency response vehicles. Drivers who let themselves be distracted can lose their focus and endanger themselves and others. Even a moment spent looking at something instead of the road can increase the chance of an accident.

Driving to the same place every day is a monotonous task, and many drivers slip into autopilot mode. Commuters who are lost in their own thoughts are often slow to respond to changing road conditions, such as sudden stops, swerving vehicles and traffic signals.

Letting Pets Wander
Loose pets wandering around the interior of a car can present a serious distraction. Animals can make sudden loud noises, and they can impair a driver’s vision and control by suddenly jumping on the driver’s lap. To prevent distractions, pets should be secured in pet carriers while riding in a car.

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