As a general rule, anything that takes your focus away from the road can be considered a distraction. Distracted driving can significantly increase your risk of getting into an accident while traveling on Missouri roads or highways. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to refrain from eating, drinking or using a cellphone while your vehicle is in motion.
Even a quick peek can cause a crash to occur
A vehicle that is traveling at 55 miles per hour can travel 100 yards in about five seconds. This is roughly the amount of time it takes to look at your cellphone or glance at a passenger sitting in the back seat.
Daydreaming can be a significant hazard
It can be easy to get lost in thought while driving on roads that you are familiar with. However, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings even if you aren’t in danger of getting lost. This is because you never know when a child might run in the road or when the vehicle in front of yours will come to a sudden stop. By staying alert, you may be able to notice the signs that something is wrong and take evasive action to avoid a car accident in a timely manner.
Don’t let passengers become a distraction
Ideally, your passengers will program your GPS, change the radio station or take other steps to help you focus on getting to a destination safely. If you are a passenger in a vehicle, it is important to remain quiet, keep your hands to yourself and otherwise ensure that the driver can stay focused on road conditions.
If you are hurt in a collision caused by a distracted motorist, it may be possible to obtain compensation for medical bills and other damages. An attorney may be able to use cellphone records, witness statements or other evidence to help you obtain a favorable settlement or jury award.
