When behind the wheel, a driver’s primary responsibility is the safe operation of his or her vehicle. Each driver is tasked with knowing the rules of the road, adhering to safety laws and maintaining focus. Unfortunately, many drivers do not do these things, instead engaging in activities that are reckless, such as distracted driving. Distraction in any form is dangerous, significantly increasing the chance of a serious or deadly accident.
You may be familiar with the risks of distracted driving, and you may be aware that cell phones are some of the most common sources of it. While phone use while driving is a problem, there are many other things that can cause distraction for a Maryland driver. This includes talking to a passenger, reading a sign by the side of the road or even driving with an animal in the car. Evidence suggests that driving with a pet can be dangerously distracting.
Man’s best friend can be a safety concern
For many people, their animals, most often a dog, is considered a member of the family. However, it is not always easy to travel with a pet, and they can sometimes cause distraction to those who are behind the wheel. They may move around in the car, jump in the driver’s lap, accidentally press buttons and do other things that can divert a driver’s attention. In order to reduce the chance of an accident, driver’s need to ensure their pets are properly restrained in the back of the vehicle before leaving the driveway.
Pets in the vehicles can also cause drivers to make unsafe choices, such as trying to give them food or water while also driving. They may also try to hold the animal in place, while others report trying to take a photo of their pet while driving. Distraction for any reason can lead to behaviors that include swerving, driving at erratic speeds, following too closely and more.
Victims of distraction-related accidents
If you are the victim of an accident caused by a distracted driver, there are legal options available to you. You may have ground to pursue compensation and recourse through a civil claim. This may provide you the chance to secure recovery of your financial losses, coverage of your medical needs and more. As soon as possible after an accident, seek an assessment of your case to determine what legal steps will be most important for your case.
