For some people, driving is an activity they do on their own. For example, they may drive alone to work each day. However, this isn’t always the case. Many people carpool, drive the children to school and drive on family vacations.
Company in a vehicle can be nice, but it also has the potential to be a dangerous distraction. Outlined below are some of the more common ways that passengers turn into unwelcome distractions.
Heated discussions and arguments
A low-volume chat with a passenger isn’t too much of a distraction. However, when the energy of the discussion increases, so too does the potential for distractions. For example, if a couple gets into an argument over directions, the driver is distracted.
One thing worth noting is how children behave while the vehicle is in motion. Children may not yet be old enough to understand the dangers of driving, so it’s important that some ground rules are set. Children should be made aware that the driver needs to focus at all times. If passengers become too energetic, then the driver should pull over until the distractions subside.
Animals can be a distraction, too
Passengers may not always be of the human variety. For millions of people, their dogs are their beloved companions that they take everywhere. Nonetheless, how the dog is transported is important in terms of driving safety. Ideally, the dog should be secured in a crate in the rear of the vehicle. They certainly shouldn’t have the freedom to roam all over the vehicle. Interactions with a dog while driving can be extremely dangerous. Also, if the dog is loose during an incident, they could be severely injured and may injure people in the vehicle, too.
If you were hurt by a distracted driver, personal injury compensation may be an option. Seek legal guidance to find out if you qualify.