Car accidents can affect California residents sometimes without warning. However, being able to spot a distracted driver could help you to avoid them. Look for these signs and use defensive driving to your advantage.
Drifting in and out of lanes
When a driver is distracted, their vehicle often drifts in and out of lanes. If they aren’t paying attention to the task of driving and the road, they lose control of their steering. This can also lead to a serious crash. If you spot a car moving this way, stay back and avoid them. If you’re on the highway, you might be able to safely pass them to avoid a potential accident.
Traveling at inconsistent speeds
Distracted driving causes a vehicle to travel at inconsistent speeds. The driver is so focused on a different activity that they don’t realize they might be moving too fast or too slowly. The driver’s foot begins to ease off of the accelerator or press on it erratically, which could pose danger to everyone.
Lack of braking
You can tell a driver is distracted when they don’t break when necessary. Paying too much attention to another activity can lead to this problem. If the driver is traveling too close behind another car, they lack the awareness needed to be able to safely stop in time to avoid a collision. This typically leads to a rear-end accident.
Lingering at stops
Distracted drivers are often unaware when a red light has changed to green. Lingering at stops is typical when someone’s attention is elsewhere. This can be dangerous if another vehicle comes up and the driver doesn’t expect the one ahead to sit there when the light is green.
Remaining aware of your surroundings at all times while driving can help you spot and avoid distracted drivers.