Car accidents are not always the result of reckless driving and severe weather conditions. Sometimes the causes of these accidents are surprisingly stupid, yet very serious and concerning. These “foolish” actions can lead to significant harm to the motorists themselves and to other motorists.
Here are five foolish ways drivers get into accidents and the possible legal consequences.
1. They are distracted by food and drink
For many drivers, a takeaway coffee or snack seems harmless. However, this is far from the truth, as eating or drinking while driving can be catastrophic. Eating and drinking while driving creates distractions that take the driver’s concentration away from the goal. According to research results from the NHTSA, eating and drinking while driving increased the number of collisions by 80%.
Legal implication: A driver involved in an accident due to eating and drinking while driving may face legal consequences for negligence for failing to exercise reasonable care.
2. Care while driving
Unfortunately, the habit of applying makeup and styling one’s hair while driving is more common than we would like to acknowledge. When you multitask while driving, your concentration on the road drastically decreases, affecting your reaction time, leading to avoidable accidents. A driver applying eyeliner at a red light could cause a head-on collision when traffic resumes. This shows the dangers of not paying attention on the road in delicate situations.
Legal consequences: When you drive, you are actively ignoring your duty of care because your actions endanger other road users. If an accident results from this negligence, a personal injury claim may be filed against the offender.
3. Pets can cause distractions while driving
Moving pets in the car while driving can temporarily distract the driver from focusing on the road, which in turn can lead to accidents. A AAA Research showed that 31% of drivers admitted to being distracted by pets.
Legal perspective: When an accident is caused by a pet, the driver is legally liable for the damage caused. This detail can serve as evidence of negligence.
4. Trying to pick up fallen objects
When drivers reach for a dropped phone or wallet while driving, they lose focus, which can lead to accidents. In reality, a brief distraction can lead to a serious accident that could seriously injure people.
For example, a driver reaching for dropped keys may swerve into oncoming traffic, causing a premature head-on collision. This can be disastrous, not only for the driver, but also for the person he collided with.
Legal perspective: The court and jury could find such conduct to be reckless, increasing the driver’s liability. If the victim of such an accident can prove what happened before the accident, the driver could get into legal trouble.
5. Driving while daydreaming
Daydreaming, or hypnosis on the highway occurs when a driver gets into a monotonous stretch that reduces his focus and concentration on the road, missing important traffic lights or stationary vehicles. This type of distraction is often called cognitive distraction. As with other accidents on this list, the consequences can be serious and sometimes even fatal.
Conclusion
These seemingly small behaviors can have major consequences for the driver and other road users. By keeping your attention and concentration on the road, you can avoid distractions that can directly lead to accidents. By keeping your mind clear and avoiding all forms of distractions, you can focus on reaching your destination safely, while significantly minimizing your legal needs. By prioritizing road safety, you can save lives and minimize legal liability.
And if you are involved in an accident, don’t forget to seek the help of an experienced car accident attorney.
