How to spot – and avoid – a distracted driver

On Behalf of | Nov 28, 2022 | Car Accident Injuries |

One in four West Virginia traffic accidents is due to distracted driving. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the behaviors and signs a driver is having issues focusing on the road to avoid an accident. In this article, we will go over some of these behaviors and steps you can take so you know what to do if you see them. Remember, speaking up can save lives!

Sudden brakes

Sudden hard braking can mean a driver has accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake or has spotted something dangerous such as road construction or another car. Keep in mind that while they may have spotted an object, they may have also been looking at their phone, which is just as dangerous.

Racing through red lights and stop signs

A driver looking straight ahead at the road and suddenly begins to speed through red lights and stop signs is likely going too fast. Either that or they are not paying attention. This can be considered a violation in many countries; however, most states also have laws against this behavior.

Drifting out of their lane

Distracted drivers often have difficulty staying in their lane, which can be a problem. In addition, they may be looking at texts. This could mean a driver is lost or distracted by texting and driving, which is illegal in many countries worldwide.

Erratic or aggressive driving

Some distracted drivers rush to get somewhere they will squeeze into spaces they normally wouldn’t honk or speed. These are all signs that the driver is distracted and should not be driving. If you see someone doing this, call the police immediately.

Always remember!

A distracted driver could harm you, your family, your friends, or even themselves. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of death in traffic accidents, so awareness should be a top priority.