Most drivers understand how technology can cause distracted driving and increase the risk of accidents. For example, using your phone, radio, or navigation system increases the crash risk. Different technologies significantly contribute to driving distractions, but it is not the only source of distractions. Below are some causes of driving distractions.

Pets

Pets cause driving distractions in multiple ways. For example, a pet may distract you if you play with it, feed it, pet it, or hold it while driving. A pet may distract you by barking, jumping onto your lap, or getting between your legs.

Therefore, you should consider the question of pet distraction if you are involved in an accident with a motorist with a pet. The pet's location or the absence of restraint can help you prove the pet's contribution to the crash.

Other Passengers

Human passengers can cause distracted driving much in the same way as pets can. The risk is even higher with young passengers. A baby, for example, can distract you by crying or demanding something from you. Even adult passengers can distract you, for example, by playing games with you as you drive.

Proving passenger distraction is not easy, but it is possible. For example, you can use eyewitness testimony or onboard cameras to prove what the passengers were up to in the moments leading up to a crash.

Grooming

Some drivers brush their hair or apply makeup in the car, for example, if running late for an errand. Unfortunately, such grooming exercises are also distractive since they take your mind and attention from the road. For example, even a few seconds of glancing in the mirror increases the crash risk.

Circumstantial evidence can help you prove that grooming while driving distracted a driver. For example, grooming objects in the front seat can help prove the driver's distraction. That is one reason to take photographs of the accident scene and vehicle after a crash.

Food

Lastly, eating inside the car can also cause an accident. Consider cases where food spills on your lap, a hot drink burns you, or you keep reaching for a drink or food as you drive. These actions mean your hands or eyes have to stray from the road, increasing the crash risk.

As usual, you must prove the distraction if you want to use it to prove the other driver's liability for the crash. Some evidence you can use to prove food-related distractions include video footage, eyewitness testimony, and circumstantial evidence of food remains on the driver's seat.

For additional information, contact an auto accident law office such as Law Offices of Daniel E Bautista.

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