Some kinds of distraction are impossible to identify visually. A driver daydreaming about their upcoming vacation may look like everyone else in traffic even though their mind is somewhere else. Other times, there can be clear warning signs that a driver may not have their attention fully focused on the road.
If drivers can identify others who have divided their attention between driving and another task, they can give those motorists more space and potentially reduce their risk of a life-altering crash. All three of the warning signs below are potentially observable from another vehicle.
Blue light or a visible phone
Sometimes, drivers have their phones in their hands. They may have the phone up against the steering wheel, making it readily visible to anyone else nearby in traffic. Other times, drivers may have their phones in their laps in the hopes of avoiding attention from police officers on traffic patrol. Particularly in low-light conditions, those with their phones in their laps may have an eerie blue light illuminating their faces from below. Visible phones and blue light can be warning signs of digital distraction.
Visible children or bumper stickers about child passengers
Older children are easily visible from other vehicles. They may be in booster seats or might even try to make eye contact with other people in traffic. Younger children might not be easily to spot in the rear seat of a vehicle. However, a driver may have a sticker advertising how many people they have in their family or stating that there is a baby on board. Children can be a major source of distraction for motorists, as drivers may need to engage with the children or intervene when they get into arguments as they drive.
Food and beverages
Eating and drinking while drinking are among the most common sources of distraction while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who notice someone sipping coffee or chewing on a cheeseburger may want to give those drivers extra space. People eating and drinking have longer reaction times because they split their attention and have taken at least one of their hands off of the wheel. Distracted drivers put everyone at risk, and other motorists may want to give them as much space as possible.
In scenarios where distracted drivers cause serious car crashes, other people involved in a wreck may need to inform law enforcement of the signs of distraction that they observed before, during or after the collision. Holding distracted drivers accountable for unsafe driving habits can help people limit the economic harm they sustain due to the conduct of others.
