Any type of distracted driving is dangerous, and considered an act of negligence if the distracted motorist causes an accident. When drivers divert their attention from the road even just for a few seconds, it can cause a very serious crash that can result in severe injuries. It is important to know how to spot a distracted driver, so that you can do your best to avoid the motorist and an accident. Knowing how to spot a distracted driver can also help provide evidence if you need to file a claim in the future.
Drifting Into Other Lanes
It may seem a very simple task to keep a vehicle on the road and in one lane. However, this small act requires many micro corrections and the driver’s full attention. When drivers are dealing with rowdy passengers, adjusting the climate control and other systems within the vehicle, or are on their phone, they cannot make those small adjustments and corrections and may drift into another lane. If the distracted driver realizes they are drifting into another lane, they may also panic and overcorrect, causing an accident when they do.
Inconsistent Speeds
Just as remaining in one lane requires great attention, so does maintaining a consistent and legal speed. Distracted motorists may not apply the correct amount of pressure to the accelerator, causing them to slow down without reason. Or, a distracted motorist may not realize they are traveling well above the speed limit because they are too focused on the distraction.
A Phone Light
Lights from cell phones are particularly easy to see at night when everything else is dark. If you see a cell phone light coming from a driver’s lap or from elsewhere in the vehicle, such as on their dashboard, it is a sign they are distracted, even if they are not texting and driving.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can be a distraction in itself. When motorists become enraged, they are no longer focusing on others and what is going on around them. Instead, they are only concerned with themselves and the situation that made them angry in the first place. If a driver is constantly honking, yelling out the window, or frantically waving their arms, they are experiencing road rage and are likely distracted. Other actions, such as changing lanes extremely quickly without first signaling, is another sign a driver is distracted because they cannot focus on the small gestures required by the law.
Our Car Accident Lawyer in Allentown Can Help with Your Claim
Distracted driving in any form is extremely dangerous behavior, and no one should ever become a victim of it. If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, our Allentown auto accident lawyer at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim can help with your case. We know the signs of a distracted driver, and how to prove another motorist was not paying attention to the road at the time of the crash. Call us today at (215) 486-0123 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.