Driving is one of the riskiest things most people ever do. Yet, because they do it every day, they often fail to realize that. Hence they drive with far less care than they should.
Distractions are one of the leading contributory factors to vehicle crashes. A driver who does not give the road their full attention could easily miss something and cause a crash.
Here are some of the top distractions:
1. Electronic devices
Phones, stereos, delivery driver systems and satellite navigation devices are among the most frequent distractions. The only safe way to use them is to do so while stopped in a safe place.
2. Passengers in the vehicle
Passengers can help drivers stay safe by chatting to keep them awake when tired (although pulling over and resting would be much safer). Yet they can also be too distracting if they talk too much or ask the driver to pass them things, as children strapped into car seats often do.
3. Food and drink
Staying hydrated helps the brain stay alert. Yet, the action of drinking requires a hand off the wheel and takes some concentration off the road.
There is also no perfect snack to eat while driving. They all require at least a bit of effort to reach for, open and eat, although some are much worse than others. Again, it is better to stop if you feel hungry or thirsty.
If a driver injures you in a crash, and you cannot work out why they crashed into you, get legal help to investigate if they were distracted by something.