Texting, talking on the phone, reading behind the wheel, and even eating are things you’ve seen other divers in the lane next to you do at one time or another.
Forty-five states have outlawed texting while driving, and since approximately 87 percent of drivers have admitted to texting and driving, it seems only a fraction of people adhere to those laws.
But, as noted above, texting isn’t the only thing distracting drivers while on the road. Fortunately, there are four main ways you can spot a distracted driver and avoid a potentially deadly car accident.
However, if you or someone you know has been the victim of a distracted driver, contact a local Florida attorney to find out what options you have to file a claim.
Not staying centered
Watch out for that car veering too far left or too far right of the center of the lane. Erratic or even slow veering may indicate that there is something else going on in the car other than driving.
Keep your distance from this car, and if you have to pass, be sure to give it a wide berth. Sometime when a driver realizes that he or she has veered too far from the center, his or her reaction is to jerk the wheel which can potentially cause the car to then swerve into your lane or lose control altogether.
Sudden stops
When a driver is multitasking while the car is in motion, he or she is not paying full attention to what is going on in front of the car. If the car in front of the driver begins to brake, the distracted driver may not be fully aware that there is about to be a need to come to a stop.
Very often in these situations, the distracted driver slams on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the car in front. If you’re following even a little too closely, this puts you in danger of colliding with the distracted driver in front of you. To stay safe, always be sure to stay a comfortable stopping distance.
Sitting too long at the light
If a car is still sitting at the light for a significant amount of time after it has changed from red to green, it is an indication that the driver is doing something other than paying attention to what’s going on around him or her.
Be careful of this driver. He or she may still be engaged in multitasking when the car begins to accelerate.
Watch for headphones
A person driving while wearing headphones is more than likely not concentrating 100 percent on the road. Wearing headphones is indicative of either listening to music, which can involve sorting through a playlist on the phone while driving, or taking a call.
While these types of voice-to-text devices are usually considered hands-free, drivers still have to take their eyes off the road to look at the phone when selecting the correct contact to call or changing the song that is currently playing.
If you have been the victim of a car accident, you may be wondering what options you have to repair the damage you have suffered. Contact a Florida attorney experienced with distracted driving cases to find out about your rights and options.