Operating a motor vehicle requires you to give your full attention to the task at hand. You likely consider your safety to be a top priority out on the road, potentially leading you to avoid distractions while driving at all costs.
Unfortunately, you cannot control the actions of others, and you may even notice drivers nearby paying attention to something other than the road from time to time. Whether you spot them or not may make little difference, and their negligence could pose a significant threat to your health.
Distracted driving and its numerous forms
Distracted driving is a major concern for everyone on the road, and although it takes many forms, the result is often the same. However, you may still wish to know what actions to be wary of while driving, and some of the most prevalent types of distractions among drivers could include the following:
- Phone usage: Talking on a cell phone inherently causes a driver to divert a portion of his or her attention off driving. Reading or writing a text message also requires a driver to take his or her eyes off the road, even if only momentarily, which could prove disastrous.
- Inside distractions: There are a multitude of distractions that can take place inside a vehicle, such as a conversation with a passenger or an attempt to change the radio station.
- Outside distractions: In some cases, something on the side of the road may catch a person’s attention, which in turn causes him or her to lose focus on the task at hand.
- Eating and grooming: Even if you are running late to work or an appointment, eating or drinking, or even shaving or applying makeup, while in transit can prove devastating.
Another concern among drivers pertains to a general lack of concentration, and operating a vehicle while lost in thought can be exceedingly dangerous. Regardless of what form it takes, if a distracted driver hits you, chances are you could be suffering from a situation over which you had no control.
Pursuing compensation
Following a serious collision in which you suffer severe injuries, you may wish to pursue restitution, but the process can be stressful and intimidating. You could speak with someone with knowledge of California state laws that apply to your current situation for assistance in navigating the process. Seeking advice on the options available to you could assist you in preparing to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve, which in turn might help you shift your focus toward recovery.