Distracted driving involves more than just texting

Texting and driving is certainly one of the top forms of distracted driving. If you ask someone for examples of dangerous driver distractions, it’s probably the first one they will give.

But it is certainly not the only one. Distracted driving goes far beyond just texting. It’s critical for drivers to understand how common distraction is so that they can work to remain as safe as possible when traveling.

12 examples of driver distraction

To help show how distraction happens and how dangerous it is, here are some common examples of distracted driving:

1. Using a phone: One of the most dangerous forms of distraction is using a mobile phone even when not texting. Distractions include calling, browsing the internet, taking pictures or using apps while driving.
2. Eating and/or drinking: Skip the drive-thru! Handling food and beverages – even nonalcoholic beverages – while driving can take a driver’s hands off the wheel and their attention off the road.
3. Adjusting controls: Adjusting the radio, GPS, climate controls or other settings inside the vehicle can distract a driver visually, manually and cognitively.
4. Grooming: Fixing hair, applying makeup or other personal grooming activities while driving can significantly distract a driver’s attention.
5. Talking to passengers: Drivers are most distracted when they also turn to talk to those passengers, and parents are often distracted by children in the car.
6. Reading: Reading maps, books or other materials while driving can take eyes off the road for an extended period, causing potential hazards.
7. Watching videos: Watching videos on a mobile device, dashboard screen or any other device while driving is extremely dangerous.
8. Daydreaming: Allowing the mind to wander or getting lost in thought can lead to cognitive distraction, impairing the driver’s ability to react to potential hazards.
9. Handling pets: Driving with unrestrained pets or trying to manage pets’ behavior while driving can cause distractions.
10. Using In-Car Technology: Operating complex in-car systems or touchscreens can distract drivers from the primary task of driving.
11. Rubbernecking: Slowing down to look at accidents, scenery or anything else on or off the road can divert a driver’s attention.
12. External factors: External distractions such as looking at billboards, roadside events or being distracted by other activities happening outside the vehicle can also cause accidents.

It’s important for drivers to focus on safety and avoid these distracting activities. With that said, even if you drive safely, you could be seriously injured by another distracted driver. If so, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs. As a result, connecting with a skilled attorney sooner rather than later is wise under such circumstances.