When drivers get distracted behind the wheel, they become very dangerous. In many ways, distracted driving and drunk driving are similar. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always think of it this way, which is why someone who would never drive under the influence of alcohol may not hesitate to pick up their phone if they get a text message in the car.
What types of mistakes do these drivers make to cause serious car accidents? Below are a few examples.
Poor reaction times
One of the biggest issues is that a distracted driver is going to have poor reaction times compared to someone who is alert and focused on the road. This could lead to a rear-end accident if another car unexpectedly stops, for example. Distracted drivers cause accidents that otherwise would’ve been easily avoidable.
Missing important traffic signals
Another common issue is that distracted drivers overlook traffic signals designed to keep them safe and help traffic move smoothly. A distracted driver may not see a light turn red, for instance, or might be so focused on their device that they don’t even know there’s a light at the intersection. They can run a red light or a stop sign without realizing it.
Drifting into oncoming traffic
Finally, many distracted drivers will simply drift over the centerline. This can lead to a catastrophic head-on collision. It happens if the car pulls slightly to one side, but the distracted driver isn’t looking up to notice that they’ve left their travel lane.
If you’ve been hit by a distracted driver and lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.
