Tech gadgets make life more convenient and are indispensable for many. People often walk in stores and on sidewalks immersed in their mobile devices while only minimally engaged with their environment. This is usually harmless, though some have suffered minor injuries after walking into objects such as lamp-posts. However, when people continue this behavior while driving, they endanger themselves and others on the road. According to the CDC, distracted driving kills nine people and injures 1,000 others every day in the United States.
Like the person who drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the distracted driver is equally impaired. This is due in part to the person taking their eyes off the road as well as driving with minimal mental engagement with their environment. Unlike driving under the influence, there’s no social stigma attached to distracted driving, more people do it, and it’s done at all times of the day, every day of the week.
While this endangers all drivers, it’s especially hazardous to truckers because they spend more time on the road than anyone else. As a truck driver it’s important to protect yourself from distracted motorists by learning how to recognize them and keeping your distance. This prevents accidents and rig insurance claims. Here are five signs of a distracted driver:
- They’re out of synch with the traffic flow. Distracted drivers often drive too fast or too slow relative to the rest of the road traffic.
- Erratic steering. Drifting into other lanes and quickly swerving back is the sign of someone with their eyes off the road who then suddenly catches and corrects their mistake. They will also drift into and swerve out of the breakdown lane.
- Slow response time. The distracted driver reacts slowly to changing traffic lights. This causes them to linger too long when the light turns green, and to run red lights.
- Their head nods downward and upward. Their head nods down when using a mobile device in their lap or when using a dash mounted device, and nods up when they’re checking the road.
- Over reaction to traffic stops or slowdowns. This occurs when a traffic stop light/sign or traffic slowdown takes them by surprise.
Stay safe and keep your rig insurance rates low by driving defensively and avoiding distracted motorists. For quality rig insurance at affordable rates, contact us at J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC. We provide commercial truck insurance in the states of Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa & Nebraska.
