Most Minnesota motorists try to be responsible to keep the roads safe for everyone. However, distracted driving remains a persistent problem and one of the biggest causes of accidents. These are some of the most common signs of a distracted driver.
Inconsistent speeds
Inconsistent speeds such as driving too slow and then too fast account for some motor vehicle accidents. It’s also a major sign of distracted driving. Because the driver’s focus is on something other than the road, they can easily fail to maintain a consistent speed.
Abruptly stopping
Typically, drivers stop when there is a stop sign or red light or when yielding to pedestrians or vehicles that have the right-of-way. Some also brake for animals on the road; these are legitimate reasons to stop. If a vehicle abruptly stops, it may signify that the driver is distracted. They might even slam on their brakes and stop short.
Their head is down
One of the biggest factors in distracted driving is a driver concentrating on their phone. You may notice a driver’s head is down, which indicates that they are fiddling with their phone or another handheld device. This form of distraction is particularly dangerous because it involves all three types of distractions: cognitive, manual and visual.
Weaving in and out of lanes
Another major sign of distracted driving is when a vehicle erratically weaves in and out of lanes. The driver isn’t paying attention to the task of driving, so they may begin drifting out of one lane and into another. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to realize this problem until it’s too late and an accident occurs.
You can’t control what other drivers do; unfortunately, some will become distracted behind the wheel. Knowing how to spot key indicators of distracted driving may help you stay safer.