Your New Jersey Injury And Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

Signs of distracted driving

On Behalf of | Jan 6, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Even the safest drivers on the road are vulnerable to the potentially devastating consequences of an accident resulting from distracted driving. An accident with a distracted driver can happen suddenly, but there are some key indicators of distraction that you should be aware of. 

Keeping an eye out for the signs of distracted driving can help you avoid an accident by enabling you to react quickly when someone fails to follow the rules of the road. Here are a couple of the most common signs of distracted driving. 

A driver is using his or her phone

Talking or texting while driving is one of the leading causes of dangerous driving. In the state of New Jersey, lawmakers have reacted to the surge in accidents and fatalities involving distracted driving with legislation that imposes hefty fines for using a cellphone while operating a vehicle. The first offense carries a fine of up to $400 and the second offense may be up to $600. 

Unfortunately, it is relatively common to see other drivers paying more attention to their phones than the road. If you can see that any drivers in your vicinity are talking on the phone or appear to be texting, proceed with caution until you are no longer near them. 

A driver delays in stopping or going at a light

People who are multitasking or simply not paying attention while driving may be slow to react at stoplights. If you observe a vehicle break quickly or you have to honk to alert someone to a green light, pay careful attention until the driver is well past you. 

Archives