Spotting a distracted driver is easier said than done, as you’re focusing most your attention on your own personal safety. Even so, you should do your best to keep an eye out for distracted drivers for your safety and that of your passengers.
Here are three tips for spotting a distracted driver:
- Talking on the phone: It’s easy enough to see if someone is talking on the phone. Keep your distance if you see someone using a phone in any manner while driving — even a hands-free device.
- Sudden braking: One of the biggest dangers of distracted driving is that drivers aren’t focused fully on the road. Therefore, they often apply the brakes late. This can result in hard and sudden braking, thus increasing the risk of a rear-end crash.
- Pausing at traffic signals: If a person fails to pull away from a traffic signal that turned green, they may not be watching the light.
The best thing you can do if you spot a distracted driver is to slow down and let the person get ahead of you. However, if you believe the person is a threat to others, don’t hesitate to call 911. You can provide the dispatcher with the information they need to send police to the scene.
If you’re injured by a distracted driver, call for help and stay until paramedics arrive.
As soon as possible after the crash, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Also, review the police report to better understand what happened. These steps will lead you toward taking action to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.