4 Dangers That Lead to Distracted Driving Incidents

The act of driving is something that everyone should take seriously. Unfortunately, certain drivers allow themselves to become distracted while on the road. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous, causing a large number of deaths each year. In fact, statistics gathered from 2015 reported that driving while being distracted led to 3,477 fatalities. It’s incredibly important to be aware of the most common reasons drivers become distracted. In fact, statistics show that 52% of all personal injury cases are the result of auto accidents. With that in mind, here are four dangerous causes of distracted driving.

1. Other Passengers
   
   Not every driver travels by themselves. Considering that, it’s important to ensure that any passengers in your vehicle are respectful while you’re driving. It only takes one unruly passenger to cause a horrific auto accident. With that in mind, it’s important to let passengers in your vehicle know that you take driving seriously and do not want to be distracted.
2. Alcohol or Drug Consumption
   
   Statistics show that each day there are 300,000 drunk drivers operating vehicles. Unfortunately, not all of these drivers will be caught driving under the influence until an auto accident takes place. In addition, alcohol isn’t the only substance that can cause a driver to become extremely distracted. Sadly, certain drivers will attempt to operate a motor vehicle while being under the influence of a wide range of illegal drugs.
3. Using Electronic Devices While Driving
   
   Current iterations of mobile phones are able to perform a wide variety of actions. Many people feel that they wouldn’t know what to do without being able to have a modern cell phone. However, one place where a cell phone should never be used is while someone is driving. With that in mind, many cases taken on by car accident lawyers are because cell phones were used by distracted drivers. Considering that, certain states have enacted road rules banning the use of cell phones while someone is driving.
4. Eating or Drinking on the Road
   
   Personal injury lawyers handle cases involving a wide range of distraction causes while someone is driving. Another situation that can cause an auto accident to occur is if a driver is consuming a food or beverage while on the road. You’ll find that it’s wiser to eat or drink while parked rather than while operating a motor vehicle.

In closing, there are several dangerous ways that someone can become a distracted driver. Loud and unruly passengers can often cause a driver to neglect their duties while behind the wheel. Another common source of distracted driving incidents occurs due to someone being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In many cases, drivers who are using their cell phones while driving are a major cause of distracted driving incidents. Drivers who are eating or drinking while driving can find themselves momentarily distracted. Unfortunately, it only takes one small distraction to wreak havoc on the road.