Where distracted driving is concerned, the trend is to talk only about smartphone use. That generally means texting, but people also talk about using a GSP system, taking pictures and videos, making phone calls, going on social media and the like. In essence, a driver is using a computer while driving, and that’s dangerous.
It’s important, though, to understand there are simple systems that you just think of as part of your car that can also be distractions. Don’t assume they’re safe. For instance, here are a few distractions noted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Changing the radio station
- Taking out or putting in a CD
- Using a built-in GPS
- Adjusting the steering wheel
- Moving your seat
- Adjusting the air or the heat
- Adjusting the mirrors
- Turning up or down the brightness of the dash lights
Now, some of these are things you must do. If your mirrors are not adjusted properly and you can’t see traffic, you need to change that as soon as possible. However, there are drivers out there who have gotten into accidents because they were so intent on adjusting the mirrors that they neglected to look at the traffic ahead of them. That’s why it is best to take care of all of these things before you even begin to drive.
One thing that is certain about driving distractions is that they come from many sources and impact everyone. Even the safest drivers will get distracted at some point, and they will cause accidents. Those who get injured in these accidents need to know how to seek out financial compensation for their financial losses and injuries.