If you have taken heed of the warnings about the dangers of phone use while driving then you are already well ahead of the curve. Despite the dangers having been clear for a long time, many drivers continue to use their phones at the wheel.
However, just because you put your phone away does not necessarily mean you will stay free from distractions. The average journey is full of things that can cause people to lessen their focus on the road. Here are three common distractions:
1. Others in the car
Whether it is your spouse, your children, a friend or your dog, all can be extremely distracting when you are at the wheel. Try not to get involved in a heated discussion with a passenger and don’t be afraid to tell them to wait if you need to regain focus. Ensure your pets and young children are suitably secured so they cannot move about. And, if you need to attend to your child, consider pulling over to a safe place first.
2. People outside the car
The world is full of people who might grab your attention. It might be because of how they look or what they are doing. Or just because they are someone you know. Let your gaze linger too long and you will have missed a good chunk of activity on the road ahead.
3. Things outside the vehicle
The average road has plenty of signs and billboards along it. They are designed to grab your attention and some are rather too good at it for safety. A nice view or an interesting historical building could also cause you to look away from the road for a dangerous amount of time.
Do your best to stay focused when driving and remember that other drivers may not be. If they are distracted by something and injure you, then you may want to investigate your legal options to get compensation.