Your life is full of distractions, but losing focus behind the wheel can lead to devastating consequences. Distracted driving is any action that takes your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.
Understanding the potential dangers of driving while distracted helps lower your risk of collision.
What constitutes distracted driving?
While the risks of certain behaviors are well-known, such as drinking or texting while driving, distracted driving can include anything that takes your attention away from the road. Several actions can interfere with your ability to drive safely:
- Talking on the phone or to passengers
- Eating or drinking
- Using GPS navigation
- Reaching for dropped objects
- Adjusting vehicle controls
- Grooming
These behaviors can increase your risk of collision or other negative consequences.
What are the dangers of distracted driving?
When you lose focus behind the wheel, you might react too slowly to hazards or road conditions, increasing your chances of being in an accident. Driving while distracted can lead to dangerous outcomes for yourself and others:
- Financial: You could experience an increase in your insurance rates or have to pay a traffic fine.
- Legal: If distracted driving leads to a collision, someone might sue you for damages.
- Criminal: Death or serious injury could result in criminal charges involving potential jail time.
The negative consequences of being an inattentive driver can be severe, but exercising caution helps prevent injury and death due to distracted driving.
Driving is a complex task that requires your undivided attention. When you lose focus while driving, you risk putting yourself, your passengers, and others on the road in danger.