The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that distracted driving was the cause of more than 3,000 deaths in 2017, and the numbers of non-fatal car crashes caused by the same thing could potentially be far bigger. Distracted driving is what is used to describe a driver who is distracted by something in their vehicle and not paying attention to the road. These accidents are a common reason people have to see out a Houston car accident attorney for help, but it is best if you can avoid collisions altogether. Here are a few ways to protect yourself from distracted drivers on the highway.
1. Report Drivers You Suspect Are Distracted
If you come across a driver who is weaving all over the road, braking suddenly, or seems not to be paying attention, it is helpful to report the driver to the local authorities. Even though most people prefer not to report this driver behavior and just go on about their own trip, calling things like this in could help save another driver.
2. Keep Your Distance from Distracted Drivers
Sometimes, drivers who could potentially be distracted at any given moment are easy to spot. Not necessarily because of how they are driving but because of what they are doing. For instance, if you see someone texting while driving, talking to a carload of other people, or messing with their car stereo, it is best to steer clear of them. Change lanes, speed up and pass, or allow them to proceed a good distance ahead of you. Putting distance between yourself and these drivers will help thwart the potential for an accident if they do take their eyes off the road.
3. Allow Yourself Ample Braking Distance in Traffic
Allowing yourself enough space to react is perhaps one of the biggest safety rules of driving, and it will especially help if you happen to be stuck in traffic with a distracted driver who is traveling in the same lane ahead of you. You may not always know that a driver is distracted, but by giving yourself extra stopping distance between yourself and the surrounding vehicles, there is always a greater chance of avoiding a collision no matter the cause.
Distracted driving has been the blame for numerous accidents that have led to severe injuries for the people involved. If you have been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, reach out to a Houston car accident attorney for help.
