Reducing driver distractions can prevent many road accidents. And although cell phones are often to blame for drawing a drivers’ attention away from where it should be, there are other incidents that could cause someone to lose focus behind the wheel. Before you find yourself involved in a collision and looking for a local attorney to represent you, be mindful of the following.

3 Distractions to Avoid While Driving

1. Rubbernecking

It’s human nature to be curious when there’s something out of the ordinary, such as an accident. However, resist the temptation to look. Doing so could cause you to lose focus on what’s ahead, causing another crash. Additionally, pay attention to other drivers around you who might have been distracted by the same issue, causing them to unintentionally swerve or tailgate.

2. Children or Pets in the Car

As a parent, you’re trained to always be alert to your kids’ needs. If you hear crying or fighting in the back, it can be hard not to look behind you to see what’s going on—but doing so risks their safety in the process. If there is a child emergency that needs your attention, pull over to attend to your son or daughter. Meanwhile, if you are transporting your pets around, make sure they are restrained by a kennel, seatbelt, or pet hammock, so they don’t interfere with your line of sight or ability to maneuver the vehicle. While a local attorney will tell you that there is no law requiring them to be harnessed in the car, in the case of an accident, the other driver might point to Fido as a reason for the crash.

3. Driving on “Auto Pilot”

Most drivers think that navigating a familiar route doesn’t expose them to accident risks. However, one study shows that a person driving along a familiar road tends to be more relaxed and confident, resulting in less brain activity. This could explain why some drivers make fatal driving errors near their home. To prevent this from happening to you, always stay focused and alert when driving.

Recently in a car accident? Reach out to the local attorneys at Reagan, Melton, & Delaney. With over 15 years of experience serving clients in Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding communities, they specialize in personal injury and DUI law, among other services. Learn more about these practice areas online. To schedule a consultation at their Bellevue office, call (402) 932-9494. To reach out to a local attorney in Lincoln, contact (402) 476-6585.