As you cruise down the Las Vegas Strip or commute to work on I-15, you’re likely to encounter drivers who are more focused on their phones than their surroundings. Distracted driving is a serious threat to everyone on the road, and it’s crucial to know the signs to watch out for to avoid a potential accident.
Spotting the signs of distraction
One of the most basic things you can do to stay safe on the road is to pay attention. By prioritizing good habits that reduce distraction, you can protect yourself and others sharing the road with you.
However, we can’t control the actions of others to stop them from distracted driving. We can learn to spot the warning signs and give those drivers a wide berth. Watch for these common red flags:
- Lane drifters: Is the car in front weaving in and out of their lane? They might be texting, eating or daydreaming.
- Traffic light fails: Did someone run a red light or completely miss that the light turned green? They could be too busy fiddling with their playlist.
- Snail’s pace: Is a car moving unusually slow on the freeway, causing a backup? Is their speed unnecessarily inconsistent? Their eyes might be glued to something other than the road.
- Jerky moves: Sudden braking or accelerating can indicate that a driver isn’t paying attention to the traffic flow.
- Caught red-handed: The most obvious sign? You actually see them on their phone, looking at themselves in the vanity mirror or digging around in the backseat.
These behaviors indicate a driver isn’t fully focused on the task at hand and could be a threat to you.
Steering clear of distracted drivers
If you notice a distracted driver, don’t try to confront them or engage in any way. Instead, prioritize your safety by:
- Increasing your following distance
- Changing lanes to put space between you and the distracted driver
- Passing the vehicle safely, if possible
- Refraining from engaging with them or attempting to “teach them a lesson”
- Pulling over to call 911 if the driver poses a serious threat
By staying alert and knowing what to look for, you can help make Las Vegas roads safer and avoid serious accidents. Remember these tips next time you get on the road and share them with your friends and family to help the people you love reach their destinations safely.