5 Distracted Driving Behaviors That Do Not Involve a Cell Phone 

 Posted on January 18, 2023 in Distracted Driving Accidents

For many, driving becomes so second nature that drivers forget just how powerful a motor vehicle actually is. Even at low speeds, a car, truck, van, or other vehicle can cause substantial damage in a collision. Injuries and deaths occur every day on roadways, often changing the lives of accident victims forever.

Paying attention to the road is essential for safe driving. To lower the risk of a crash, drivers must remain focused behind the wheel and avoid any type of distractions that pull their attention away from the task of driving. While cell phone use has become a major distraction for many drivers, there are other activities that can be just as dangerous.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash caused by another driver's inattention, carelessness, or recklessness, consult an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you to understand your rights and legal options for recovering compensation for your vehicle damage, medical costs, and other losses.

Common Distractions That Can Lead to Motor Vehicle Collisions

By law, Illinois drivers are prohibited from texting or otherwise using a handheld cell phone while driving. There are no statutes specifically prohibiting other types of distracted driving behaviors. However, if a driver's inattention causes a crash, the driver may be considered negligent and therefore responsible for any damages that occur as a result of the crash.

Distracted driving may involve:

• Eating and drinking while driving - It may be tempting to eat a fast food meal while driving, but doing so can increase your chances of a collision. Reaching for food or spilling a beverage while driving can take your attention away from the task of operating your vehicle, potentially leading to a crash.

• Talking to passengers - Drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles, which includes paying attention to passengers. Engaging in conversations with passengers can cause drivers to become distracted and overlook potential hazards on the road.

• Changing the radio station or temperature - It is easy to become engrossed in changing a radio station or adjusting the temperature, but drivers must remain focused on their surroundings instead of these minor tasks.

• Grooming - Applying makeup, combing hair, and shaving are activities that can take your eyes off the road. A driver who causes an accident while engaged in these behaviors may be legally responsible for damages caused by the crash.

• Daydreaming - One study found that the number one distraction cited in fatal collisions was being lost in thought. Daydreaming may seem innocuous, but research shows that when drivers are not actively paying attention to the road, the risk of an injurious or deadly crash increases substantially.

Contact our Waukegan Car Crash Injury Lawyers

If you or a family member have been injured in a collision caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or carelessness, contact Salvi & Maher, LLP to discuss your legal options. You may be able to recover monetary damages. Call our Lake County personal injury attorneys at 847-662-3303 to set up a free initial consultation.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacknerad2/2019/03/30/daydreaming-can-kill-you-no-really/?sh=7eb77f6b2134