American Indian Owned Law Firm

When passengers become dangerous 

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2023 | Personal Injury

You use your car to get from A to B, but you also like to help other people get to their destinations. Perhaps you carpool to work. Maybe you do the school run each day. In any case, while passengers provide some company, they can also be a potential danger. 

If your passengers engage in any of the following behaviors, then it’s important to ask them to refrain from doing so. The consequence of passenger distractions could ultimately be a catastrophic accident. 

Back seat driving 

When you’re on the road, you need to be as clear as possible on where you are going. You thought out the route beforehand and are feeling confident in this regard. However, your passenger has other ideas. They are sure that they know a quicker way and are determined to tell you. Having a “backseat driver” in your vehicle can be one of the most unwelcome distractions. If you are the one behind the wheel, then it is you who is in charge. 

Intense conversations 

Even family members and close friends don’t get along all the time. Arguments and intense debates are bound to arise from time to time. But, a car is really no place for such conversations. When you are behind the wheel, you cannot become stressed or lost in thought. While driving feels almost automatic at times, it is actually a stressful activity that humans are not that well equipped for. The senses and perception of humans are not really designed to work at such high speeds. Thus, your full focus needs to be on the road. 

You can only control your own conduct and the rules in your own vehicle. You can’t control the actions of other road users. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. Seeking legal guidance will give you a better idea of where you stand.