Can Passengers Help Prevent Crashes? 4 Tips from a Longview Accident Attorney

Sending a text message while driving may seem like an innocent gesture, but distracted driving is a leading cause of death in the United States. According to Distraction.gov, 3,154 people died because of distracted driving in 2013. Although cell phone use is responsible for a significant number of these crashes, passengers can draw a driver’s attention long enough to cause a serious wreck.

The Automobile Association recently released a study of the top 10 distractions for drivers in America. According to the research, adult passengers were the most common distractions that caused a near-miss or crash. Fortunately, there are steps that passengers can take to help prevent collisions.

If you were injured by a distracted driver in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a truck accident lawyer in Longview who can help you navigate the claims process. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills and other damages.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about accident claims in Texas.

Here are four ways you can be less distracting as a passenger:

Do Not Use Your Cell Phone

Although talking and texting on a cell phone are particularly dangerous for drivers, cell phone use among passengers can also be distracting. Sounds from games, notifications and YouTube videos can draw the driver’s attention. Additionally, the screen light can create a glow on the windshield and obstruct the driver’s view. If you are a passenger, do your best to avoid using your cell phone.

Minimize Stress

Driving can be stressful, and backseat drivers only make the situation worse. The driver is responsible for making split-second, life or death decisions, and if you question his or her every move, you can make the driver indecisive. Have confidence in the driver and do not critique his or her performance.

Offer Help

Passengers can be useful. They have an extra pair of eyes to look for dangers and identify potential threats.

If you are alert and vigilant, then you are in a position to help the driver instead of causing dangerous distractions. Do not make demands from the backseat, but you can tell the driver of hazards that he or she may not notice, particularly when reversing.

Be Less Noisy

It is crucial for passengers to minimize unnecessary noise. Constant chatter among passengers can be dangerous, especially if everyone is disrespectful and rowdy.

You should occupy yourself quietly and avoid horseplay, fighting and arguing. Do not make sudden movements. Also, avoid eating and drinking. Reduce noise however possible.

If you were injured in a car or truck accident in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is an accident attorney in Longview who helps clients throughout east Texas including Carthage, Gilmer, Henderson, Jefferson, Lufkin, Marshall, Mt. Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Paris, Pittsburg, Texarkana and Franklin County. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.