If you’ve spent any time on my website, blog, or Facebook page, you probably have a pretty good idea that I’m focused on helping victims of drunk and distracted drivers. Since distracted driving has ballooned into such an epidemic problem, I often write about how dangerous it is. Because this is an entirely preventable risk, just like drunk driving, it seems crazy that people continue to do it. There is so much information, and laws, that educate drivers on the risks and yet it’s everywhere you look.
Case in point, just the other day I was traveling along the highway through Whatcom County on a sunny afternoon. Passing a driver in the right lane, I glanced over at her and saw that she was actually reading a Kindle while driving. She must be one of the rare exceptions that defy current research that there’s no such thing as multi-tasking, and our brains simply can’t do two cognitive tasks, such as reading and driving, at once. So how could she possibly enjoy the book if she’s got to pay attention to all the distractions of driving?
I asked Google what crazy things people do while driving, and here’s a list of my favorites from a recent survey conducted by DMEautomotive to drive attention to National Collision Awareness Month, starting in just a few days.
- Changing clothes and shoes. Cars seem to be doubling as closets these days. This takes a level of coordination that defies logic, but six percent of those surveyed said they’ve changed outfits while sailing down the road.
- Shaving. Most likely car shavers aren’t using straight razors. But still, this means taking a hand and your eyes off the wheel while grooming. Take that five minutes to shave before you hit the road.
- Flossing teeth. Six percent (the same people who change clothes and shave, perhaps?) said they do this while driving. Imagine what you’d say to somebody’s family member who lost someone they loved because you hit them? Five percent admitted to brushing their teeth. I guess these drivers could make spitoons cool again.
- Working on the laptop. Car, conference room – same thing. Bastions of efficiency, five percent of drivers admit to working on their laptop while driving. Remember, police can pull you over if they think you are taking your eyes off the road and driving distracted. I have a hard time thinking any officer would find your reasons for doing this one relevant. Might bring a whole new meaning to the term “deadline”…
- Doing homework. Ditto the above.
- Catching up on TV shows and movies. Seven percent of those polled admitted to taking in a TV show or movie while driving.
- Taking selfies. 13 percent of those surveyed said they’ve taken photos of themselves while driving. Only seven percent over age 35 admitted to taking pictures while driving, but a whopping 26 percent of drivers aged 16-34 admitted to this incredibly distracting habit.
- Changing contact lenses. This one is my favorite, because it means that someone is driving without really being able to see.
If you’re hit by someone doing any of the above, you’ve been hit by a distracted driver. Call me. There is money available to pay for the damages that this illegal behavior has brought to your life. With the leverage of having the ability to file and win a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t pay, you can focus on recovering while justice is served to you. 360-303-0601, and let’s set up a time for you to come into my Bellingham office to talk about your case.