With study after study showing that distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of car accidents, and more specifically one of the main causes of fatal car accidents, it is essential to know the signs that someone else is distracted. Keep reading to find out some of the most common behaviors of distracted drivers. If you end up getting into a car accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
The Most Common Behaviors of Distracted Drivers
First, let us look at what a recent study showed were the most common behaviors associated with distracted drivers. First, we see that as many as 24% of distraction-prone drivers say they lost awareness of their surroundings while driving. Second, 21% of distracted drivers admitted that they drove under the speed limit. Finally, more than 10% of distracted drivers say that they drifted out of their lanes or the roadway when driving while distracted.
Additional Behaviors That May Indicate Distracted Driving
While the above were common to many distracted drivers, there are several other behaviors that may indicate distracted driving. If you see a vehicle that breaks suddenly, follows the vehicle in front of it too closely, looks at their rear and side view mirrors more often than is normal, doesn’t change lanes, drives erratically, doesn’t use turn signals, and doesn’t get moving when it is their turn to go at an intersection.
What Do You Do if You See a Distracted Driving?
Of course, understanding what signs may indicate a distracted driver is only helpful if you then know what to do. First, assume that the driver does not see you. Assume that they are so distracted that they are not going to follow the laws of the road. Make sure you leave plenty of room between your vehicle and their vehicle. If necessary, pull forward or slow down so that they can get around you.
If you cannot get away from the driver, or they are being particularly, then you can contact 911 to report them. Remember that it is illegal to use a handheld mobile device while driving in the state of California. You do not have to allow another person to keep you in danger – contact the police if you believe it is justified.
Have You Been Injured by a Distracted Driver?
The above tips can help you prevent being injured by a distracted driver but what about those who have already been injured by a distracted driver? We can help with that too. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now and request a free legal consultation. Tell us about your case, answer a few questions, and we can provide you with an honest legal assessment of your options and your chances of success with each option.
