3 driver distractions that are likely to lead to a car wreck

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2023 | Car Accidents

Whether you are a seasoned driver or a rookie, a couple of things are true: firstly, you require a great deal of focus and attentiveness to operate a motor vehicle safely. And, secondly, distracted driving can happen to anyone with devastating outcomes. A momentary lapse of focus can lead to a tragic accident with life-altering injuries or even death. 

Most distractions are actually preventable. If another driver’s distraction results in your injuries and damage to property, Ohio negligence laws allow you to pursue the driver in question for the resulting damages. But how does distracted driving happen? To answer this question, it helps to start off by understanding what amounts to distracted driving. 

Understanding distracted driving

Basically, any non-driving activity that a driver engages in while operating a motor vehicle is considered a distraction. Distraction can be visual, manual or cognitive. While there are plenty of activities that can cause driver distraction, here are the most common ones:

Use of cell phones

This should come as no surprise. Cell phones and other electronic devices are a leading source of driver distraction throughout the country. Perhaps, this explains why the use of cell phones while driving has been criminalised by most states. 

From making or answering calls to texting, reading messages and checking the GPS app for directions, cell phone use causes all three types of distractions. 

Distraction from passengers

Getting into a conversation with your passengers while driving can easily take your mind and focus off the road. This is especially common when driving with young children in the car. Simply taking your eyes off the road to check on the child can easily lead to disaster. 

Multi-tasking

We live in a fast-paced world, and this is understandable. Unfortunately, a simple act of applying your makeup, drinking your coffee or eating while driving can greatly increase your likelihood of losing focus on the task at hand and causing an accident. 

A number of things can distract an otherwise diligent driver. If you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, however, you need to safeguard your rights.

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