5 Things That ARE Distracted Driving But Are NOT Using Your Cell Phone
December 11, 2020
We hear about distracted driving in the news all the time and how it leads to New Haven auto accidents. Each year thousands of people die in accidents that are the result of distracted driving, but did you know that it’s not only considered distracted driving when you’re using your cell phone? In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified distracted driving as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving.
While utilizing a cell phone while driving is the most common and most referenced issue when it comes to distracted driving, it is not the only way you can be distracted while on the road. Here are some other very common and less publicized ways you can have you attention taken away from the most important role you have as a driver and that is keeping yourself and your passengers safe.
- Eating – drive-thrus are popular, but they can also be dangerous. If you’re eating anything while you’re driving your full attention is not on the road.
- Singing/Listening to music – have you ever gotten “lost” in a piece of music? This can happen to anyone and it can be incredible distracting from your responsibilities as the driver.
- Talking to passengers – while it is unlikely that you will remain silent when driving with someone else in the care, engaging in deep conversation can overwhelm your attention and have serious repercussions.
- Pets – tending to a pet that is in your car can be distracting and take your attention away from the road.
- Stress – high levels of stress can always lead to distraction and is terrible for your ability to drive effectively
Some of the things are unavoidable like stress or driving with a passenger in the car, but others can be avoided and will go a long way to keep you safe and avoiding a New Haven auto accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you may need an attorney to review your case. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case.