Crashes happen across the United States every day. Some involve the elderly, pedestrians or cyclists. Others involve tractor-trailers, family vehicles and SUVs. Whatever kind of crash happens, the same is true of each: There is a risk of injury and death as a result of at least one party’s mistakes.
From looking away from the road to changing the radio station to falling asleep behind the wheel, there are many things that can lead to crashes. Distractions, a leading cause of crashes, come in three forms:
- Physical distractions
- Mental distractions
- Visual distractions
Physical distractions occur when you take your hands off the wheel, even for a second. When your hands aren’t on the wheel, you aren’t prepared to swerve or maneuver your vehicle. Mental distractions happen when you’re thinking about something other than driving. Reading a text or responding to a phone call might both be distracting to you. Visual distractions include any distractions that take your eyes off the road.
When combined, these three types of distractions pose a serious threat to the safety of those in your vehicle and those around you, which is why paying attention to the road is extremely important.
At the end of the day, the steps you take to focus on the road could help you avoid other dangerous or distracted drivers’ mistakes, too. Focus on the road and what’s going on around you so that you can get yourself and your loved ones home safe. If you are hit, stay at the scene and reach out to start your insurance claim with the help of your attorney.
