Most people will readily acknowledge distracted driving as a dangerous activity. However, quite a few people restrict their definition of distracted driving to only include the use of screens and mobile devices while driving.
Such a limited definition benefits no one, as distraction actually takes many forms. Screens and mobile phones are not the only sources of distraction that could directly contribute to someone’s likelihood of a serious motor vehicle collision.
Any kind of multitasking at the wheel is a distraction
For many Americans, their daily commute is a source of frustration and boredom. People will do questionable things, such as driving recklessly fast in order to minimize how long their commute takes. Other people will attempt to reclaim some of that time by performing other tasks on their way to work, a decision which seems safer on the surface but is actually a major source of risk on the road.
“Multi-tasking” is a nice way of saying that you’re trying to split your focus between multiple tasks, increasing the risk you may not react in a timely manner when driving conditions suddenly change. You want your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel and your mind focused on driving for optimal performance.
Putting on a dress shirt, applying makeup, responding to emails or eating breakfast are all ways that people dangerously distract themselves during their daily commute. If you suspect that the other driver had their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road immediately prior to the crash that injured you, advising the officer who responded to the scene of the collision of your concerns may help them gather evidence that can help prove that fault for the crash lies with the other driver.