Car accidents are not always caused by reckless driving and adverse weather conditions. Sometimes the causes of these accidents are surprisingly silly, yet very serious and concerning. As car accident lawyers observe, these “stupid” actions can cause significant damage to the driver and other motorists.
Here are five stupid ways drivers can cause accidents and their possible legal consequences.
1. They get distracted by food and drink
To many motorists, taking out a coffee or snack may seem harmless. However, this is far from the truth, as eating or drinking while driving can have disastrous consequences. Eating and drinking while driving can distract drivers and prevent them from concentrating. According to NHTSA research, eating and drinking while driving can increase the incidence of crashes by 80%.
legal significance: Drivers who cause an accident while eating or drinking may face legal liability for negligence because they failed to use reasonable care.
2. Appearance while driving
Unfortunately, the habit of applying makeup and styling your hair while driving is more common than we think. When you multitask while driving, your attention on the road is significantly reduced, affecting your reaction time and leading to preventable accidents. When traffic resumes, drivers wearing eyeliner at red lights can lead to head-on collisions. This shows the dangers of not paying attention on the road in delicate situations.
legal consequences: When you are grooming and driving you actively neglect your duty of care because your behavior endangers other road users. If an accident occurs as a result of such negligence, a personal injury claim may be made against the perpetrator.
3. Pets can be a distraction while driving
The movement of pets in a car while driving can temporarily distract the driver from the road, leading to an accident. A study by AAA found that 31% of motorists admitted that pets distract them.
legal perspective: When a pet causes an accident, the driver is legally responsible for the damage caused. This detail can serve as evidence of negligence.
4. Try to pick up dropped items
When drivers reach for a dropped phone or wallet while driving, they lose focus, which can lead to an accident. In fact, a brief distraction can lead to a major accident, resulting in serious injury.
For example, a driver reaching for a dropped key may swerve into an oncoming vehicle, causing an untimely head-on collision. This can be catastrophic, not only for the driver but also for the person involved in the crash.
legal perspective: Courts and juries may consider this behavior to be reckless, thereby increasing the driver’s liability. If the victim of such an accident can prove what happened before the accident, the driver may get into legal trouble.
5. Daydreaming while driving
Daydreaming or highway hypnosis occurs when drivers fall into the monotony of driving, which reduces their focus and focus on the road, missing important traffic signs or stopped vehicles. This type of distraction is often called cognitive distraction. As with other accidents on this list, the consequences can be severe and sometimes fatal.
in conclusion
These seemingly trivial actions can have huge consequences for drivers and other road users. By keeping your focus on the road, you can avoid distractions that can directly lead to an accident. Keeping a clear mind and avoiding all forms of distractions allows you to focus on getting to your destination safely while greatly reducing 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 help from an experienced car accident attorney.
