Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do on a daily basis, and most of us don’t fully realize it. Even if we take basic precautions, like not speeding or driving drunk, we can still put ourselves and others in unnecessary danger in other ways.

Here are some common behaviors that are more dangerous than people realize:

  1. Getting ready for work while driving. No matter how late you are, shaving or putting on makeup should never be done behind the wheel. And you should especially not get dressed while trying to drive. You need your hands and eyes to get where you’re going, and safely. No one ever saved time by getting in an accident.
  2. Dozing off. In our sleep-deprived society, drowsiness is easy for drivers to overlook, and some people even brag about how little sleep they get. But in reality, it can be as dangerous as being intoxicated.
  3. Using your phone or another device. Hopefully, you know not to text and drive. A lot of time and money has been spent raising awareness of just how dangerous this activity is. But texting isn’t the only dangerous activity people do with their phones. If you’re making phone calls, rerouting the GPS, or shuffling through your music library, you’re a distracted driver. And while a hands-free phone may be better than a handset, it’s still not completely safe.
  4. Eating or drinking. Even nonalcoholic beverages can impair your driving ability, if you’re holding them in one hand and steering with the other. This goes for food, too, especially messy foods like tacos or donuts.
  5. Arguing. While no one actually wants to do this while driving, it might seem unavoidable, especially if you have children in the backseat. But heated or emotional conversations are a common cause of distracted driving. Whatever it is, it can wait until later.

Distracted driving is a common cause of injury, but many people don’t realize that what they’re doing is putting others at risk. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, contact our offices by phone, email, or text message, and we’ll help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today!