What Are the Biggest Distractions to Drivers? 

Distracted driving is one of the most frequent causes or contributing factors to motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving occurs whenever a driver takes their hand or hands off the steering wheel, their eyes off the road, and/or their attention off the task of driving. Even doing this for just a few seconds can lead to a devastating crash. As a driver, you should be aware of the most frequent distractions motorists experience so that you can avoid putting yourself and others in jeopardy from distracted driving.

Most Common Distracted Driving Behaviors

Some of the most common examples of distracted driving include:

• Cell phone use, including texting while driving. In New Jersey, it is illegal to hold and use a cell phone while driving. If you need to talk on the phone while driving or use the navigation app on your phone, you should use a Bluetooth hands-free device or tether your phone to your vehicle’s infotainment system. 
• Adjusting a GPS navigation system. Pull off the road if you need to input a destination. In addition, use spoken directions so that you can avoid having to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen, or mount the device at your eye level.
• Adjusting the radio, climate control, or infotainment system.
• Passengers. Younger, inexperienced drivers are more susceptible to distraction from other passengers, especially when they have friends in the vehicle. 
• Pets. Pets who are allowed to roam freely in a vehicle can be incredibly distracting or even dangerous, including climbing down into the driver footwell to block you from the accelerator or brake, or getting up into your face and obscuring your view of the road. Pets should always be transported in crates or secured in a harness.
• Daydreaming. On long road trips, it can be easy for a driver’s mind to wander off the task of driving. Drivers may also lose full attention on the road when they are driving on a familiar route or are near their home, due to a phenomenon sometimes called autopilot syndrome. 
• Reaching for an object. Drivers may sometimes try to reach into the center console or glove compartment or into a bag in the passenger seat or rear seat for an object. If you need to grab something, you should instead park somewhere safe and retrieve the object.
• Eating and drinking. You should never reach for food or drink while on the move. If you need a sip of water while behind the wheel, wait until you are stopped at a red light or stop sign. 
• Grooming, including applying makeup or changing clothes.
• Reading. While it may seem ridiculous, some drivers do actually read the newspaper, a magazine, or a book while driving.
• Looking at accidents and billboards. Drivers can also become distracted reading billboards, looking at sights along the road, or looking at an accident scene as they drive by

What Should You Do If You’ve Been in an Accident with a Distracted Driver?

When you have been involved in a crash caused by distracted driving, you should remember to:

• Take photos or video to document the accident scene
• Seeking medical attention to identify and treat any physical injuries you may have suffered
• Keep copies of vehicle repair or medical bills
• Speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to get help with pursuing compensation for your expenses and losses

Contact a Hamilton Township Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Distracted Driving Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries because of a distracted driving car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Hartman Duff, LLC represent clients injured by distracted driving accidents in Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, Princeton, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-853-5579 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2681 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.