When many people think of distracted driving, they often imagine motorists who are using their cell phones behind the wheel. This is certainly one type of distraction motorists face, but there are many others, as well. Any distraction that takes a driver’s hands off of the wheel or their eyes and focus from the road can result in a distracted driving accident that results in very serious injuries. It is important to understand the most common distractions motorists face while driving and how to avoid them so you are not held liable for an accident. Below, our West Virginia car accident lawyer explains further.
Cell Phone Use
The Electronically Distracted Driving Act in West Virginia prohibits drivers from using their cell phones for certain activities while behind the wheel. These include writing, reading, or sending text messages; recording, posting, or broadcasting video; making phone calls; and engaging in data retrieval or communication. There are very serious fines for people who are caught using their phones while behind the wheel.
There are very good reasons for the law on using cell phones while behind the wheel. It takes approximately five seconds to read an incoming text message. When a person reads or sends a text while driving, it is like traveling the length of a football field while blindfolded.
To prevent an accident, it is critical that drivers do not look at their phone at all while they are driving.
Holding a phone or using it is also very dangerous, although it is not illegal to use hands-free features while driving.
Eating and Drinking
It is not uncommon for people to eat and drink behind the wheel. People often pick up coffee on their way to work and drink it while they are driving. Additionally, on long road trips or when running several errands, people may also eat while behind the wheel. Both of these activities take a person’s hands off the wheel and their attention off the road, which can result in a serious accident.
Additionally, when people eat behind the wheel, their hands can become greasy, making it more difficult to grip the steering wheel. When people drink hot beverages behind the wheel, they may also spill it on themselves. This can cause them to swerve into another lane or otherwise act dangerously and cause an accident. Studies have shown that people who eat or drink while driving are more likely to be involved in a crash.
Any time you are on the road and need to eat or drink, it is always advised that you pull over. Do not start driving again until your beverage or food is finished so you are not held liable for an accident.
Reaching for Objects
At some point, nearly all drivers have reached for an object while they are behind the wheel. They may reach into their glove compartment for sunglasses, fumble around in the vehicle’s console for another object, or reach for something that fell onto the floor as they were driving. All of these are very dangerous behaviors. Reaching for objects requires a driver to take their hands off of the wheel and their eyes off the road, and prevents them from focusing on their surroundings and driving safely.
To prevent distracted driving accidents caused by reaching for objects, motorists must have everything they need close by when driving. There are often storage compartments and surfaces to place objects close to drivers in vehicles today. Anything the driver will not need while they are behind the wheel should be securely stowed to ensure that they do not fall and tempt a driver to reach for it while driving.
The best place to keep objects while driving is in the trunk of a vehicle. Not only will this keep the items safe, but it will also not cause a distraction if the items move or fall over.
Adjusting Systems in the Vehicle
It is a fact that motorists often have to adjust systems in their vehicle while they are driving. They often have to adjust the temperature in the car, change the radio, use the windshield wipers, and more. Today, many vehicles have these systems built right into the steering wheel so drivers do not have to remove their hands when adjusting them. When possible, drivers should always use these so the systems in the vehicle do not cause a distraction.
Even when the systems are available on the steering wheel, drivers should still make sure that all of the systems are positioned properly before they start driving. This is even more important when a driver cannot adjust them using the steering wheel. Always make sure the temperature is comfortable before driving, and do not take your hands off the wheel to change the radio station, as this is unnecessary.
Distractions from Passengers
Passengers in a vehicle can also cause a distraction for drivers. This is particularly true for teenagers, who are more likely to be rowdy while a person is driving. That being said, even carrying on a conversation with passengers can be distracting, as it takes a driver’s focus from the road.
Drivers should limit conversation with passengers and if necessary, ask them to keep conversation to a minimum and the noise level low. While this may make some people uncomfortable, it is a better alternative than being involved in a distracted driving accident.
Our Car Accident Lawyers in West Virginia Can Help After a Distracted Driving Crash
There are many types of driving distractions drivers face when they are on the road. While you may do as much as you can to prevent distracted driving accidents, this is not true for all motorists. At Kaufman & McPherson, our West Virginia car accident lawyers can prove the other driver was distracted so you can obtain the full and fair settlement you justly deserve. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help.
