Like most Minnesota residents, you may find yourself feeling distracted at various points during the day. During a work meeting, you may think about what you will have for lunch, or you may even find yourself thinking about something else when a friend is telling a story. Often, you can bring yourself back to attention without anyone even noticing, but in other scenarios, distraction can have devastating results.
In particular, distracted driving is an issue that causes injuries and deaths far too often. You may remain extra vigilant when behind the wheel and stay focused as best as possible. Unfortunately, other drivers may purposefully distract themselves from paying attention to the road.
Bad habits
Though you know that cellphones act as a serious distraction for drivers of all ages, some other distracting actions can also pose serious threats to travelers. Some distracting actions that you may not have considered before or that may even shock you include the following:
- Video chatting
- Looking at social media
- Watching YouTube videos or Netflix
- Answering emails
- Texting
- Reading
- Taking photos
- Making videos
- Dealing with pets
- Entertaining children
- Changing clothes
- Clipping nails
You may never have thought about watching shows or videos while driving or even trying to clip your nails. Unfortunately, many drivers do, and this list does not show every distracting activity in which drivers could participate.
Most know they are bad habits
It may shock you even more to know that the majority of people know that these distracting habits are bad but continue to do them. For example, 73% of participants in a distracted driving survey indicated that they do text and drive and agree that it is a risky, and possibly addictive, behavior. Additionally, 80% of those individuals concur that texting and driving presents as much danger as drinking and driving. Still, too many continue to participate in these activities that could cause serious or fatal accidents.
If you find yourself involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may feel angry that someone disregarded your safety, his or her own safety, and the safety of others. After all, if the person had been paying attention, the accident likely would not have happened. Because these incidents can lead to serious injuries, you may feel the need to seek restitution for your injuries, medical bills and other damages stemming from the incident. Fortunately, filing a personal injury claim could help you do just that.
