Common driving distractions

Connecticut motorists are commonly informed about the dangers of texting while they are driving. While this is definitely a bad practice, it’s not the only dangerous behavior behind the wheel. Here’s a look at some other common activities that people are likely guilty of doing and that put them at a greater risk for being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Eating

One of the most common reasons for being involved in a motor vehicle accident is eating while driving. While it might seem like a harmless task, eating actually takes your attention away from the roadway. This holds especially true when the item that you’re eating or drinking spills.

Talking with passengers

It may seem completely natural to have a conversation with those who are riding with you. However, sometimes it’s very easy to get lost in a conversation and want to make eye contact with the person. When you move your eyes from the roadway to looking at your passengers, it only takes a few seconds for you to travel a long distance. In fact, if you’re traveling at 55 miles per hour and take a four-second look away from the road, your car will have traveled the length of a football field.

Digital gadgets

Digital gadgets like the radio or a GPS system are notorious for pulling drivers’ attention away from the roadway. Whether changing the radio station or hooking up your iPod, your attention is diverted. It only takes a few seconds for an unexpected obstacle to cause you to be involved in an accident.

As the world we live in continues to be focused on getting more and more done, people are trying to multitask while driving. While it may seem harmless to try to eat or talk with the passengers that are in your vehicle, they create distractions from your task. If you have been injured in an accident caused by this type of negligence on the part of another motorist, you might find it advisable to discuss your case with an attorney.