How can distracted driving cause serious injuries?

As you travel on a highway or other crowded street, you may begin to notice subtle signs of drivers struggling with distractions.

Some people may assume that distracted driving is not as harmful as drunk driving or driving under the influence. However, there are still dangers that can lead to injuries like spinal cord or brain trauma.

Focusing on other people

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even a few seconds of glancing away from the road can cause you to swerve into another vehicle or an obstacle. The faster you are traveling, the more important it is to pay attention to what is surrounding you.

One of the biggest distractions for many people can be the passengers in the car. If you find yourself constantly talking to them or turning around in your seat, you may be at risk for an accident.

Eating and drinking

Using your hands to pick up or open containers of food and drinks can make it hard to steer. Not only should you keep your hands on the wheel at all times, but you should also keep your mind on what is around you and not on what you are eating.

Opening bottles and cutting up pieces of food are mental distractions as well as physical ones.

Using make-up

Taking your eyes off the car in front of you to groom yourself while in the driver’s seat leaves you at risk for rear-ending or sideswiping another vehicle. You may even get make-up in your eyes or struggle to see clearly while applying it, which can further distract you.

Distractions on the road are important to notice, since even seemingly unimportant activities can lead to a crash.