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Are you driving next to a distracted driver?

On Behalf of | Aug 5, 2020 | Car Accidents

When drivers do not focus on their vehicles and what is around them, they can become a danger to the other drivers on the road. The trouble with reckless and negligent drivers is that you cannot always tell if they are a potential threat. What are the signs of a distracted driver?

Thousands of people die every year because of distracted driving, and even more people receive injuries. It is not enough to hope that the drivers around you are responsible. You can take your safety into your own hands by looking for identifying markers of a distracted driver.

Swerving

When drivers have their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road, it is likely that their vehicle will begin to swerve into other lanes or off the road. While it may just look like minor swerving even within their lane, drivers may try to overcorrect their behavior, which can then turn into a significant car accident.

Cell phones

If a driver is talking on a phone and holding it up to their ear, they have already committed themselves to being distracted while driving. They have also reduced their ability to interact with the vehicle by half. If you spot a driver holding something to their ear, or can even spot the glow of a cell phone at night, you can bet that driver is not giving their full attention to the road.

Road rage

If a driver suddenly slams on their horn, makes wild gestures at another driver, or displays any other signs of aggression, they may be experiencing road rage. This attitude can blind a driver to potential threats and turn them into a danger to others as well. They may also begin tailing another driver, brake-checking them, or harassing drivers in other manners.

Distractions

Eating or drinking a beverage, leaning to reach something in the back seat, or adjusting the radio or GPS can all steal a driver’s attention. You can tell when a driver is not focused on the road if their head or body is not facing forward. If you spot a driver shifting around within their seat a lot, there may be something distracting them from the road.

Play it safe

If you suspect that a driver is distracted or enraged, keep your distance from them by allowing them to pull ahead of you. Speeding ahead of a reckless driver may cause an accident. Prioritize your health and keep your distance from dangerous drivers.

 

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