Navigating Florida highways can be extremely challenging at times, if not downright frightening. If you regularly travel these roadways, you might be used to it by now. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t get startled or frustrated when another driver cuts you off or veers across the yellow line, placing you at risk for collision. Many times, distracted driving is the culprit behind poor driving skills. The problem is that you can’t always tell if a nearby motorist is properly focused or not.
Most driving distractions involve cognitive, manual or visual impairment. If you’re a parent of a teenage driver, you’ve likely instructed him or her to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times. It’s sage advice, although even many adults fail to follow it. It’s helpful to be able to recognize signs of distracted driving. If an accident does occur, however, you may wonder who should be financially responsible when a distracted driver caused the collision that resulted in your injury.
Behaviors that should raise red flags for danger
You can’t necessarily tell if the driver in the car next to yours is daydreaming. The following list explains various types of driving distractions, and keeping this information in mind may help you avoid collision:
- A manual distraction includes any behavior behind the wheel that involves a driver taking his or her hands off the wheel. Reaching for an item in a pocketbook or glove compartment, handing something to a passenger in the car or adjusting knobs on a radio are all potentially dangerous actions that can lead to serious injury.
- It’s not uncommon for vehicle occupants to gaze at roadside scenes, especially when there has been an accident. If you’re the driver, though, you’re best off keeping your eyes on the road ahead as watching off-road accident scenes may cause additional collisions. You may also be one of many who enjoy the convenience GPS devices bring to road navigation. Just beware that glancing away from the road to read directions is a major driving distraction.
- Many Florida business people try to save as much time as possible. Some even use Bluetooth technology to conduct business meetings while they drive. If you witness a nearby motorist wearing an earpiece who appears to having a conversation, be especially cautious because he or she may be cognitively distracted.
Even minor injuries in distracted driving accidents can necessitate time off work and extensive medical treatments. It’s no secret how expensive such care is, and those who get paid by the hour may not have means to meet such expenses if they are unable to return to work. If you’re facing undue financial strain because of a collision that could have been prevented, you have the right to pursue justice in a civil court.
