Proper grooming makes a good impression on others, but the activity has its time and place. Grooming while driving could be a mistake since it could lead to an accident.
Grooming and driving don’t mix
Grooming ranks as one of the common ways people engage in distracted driving. Distracted driving plays a role in numerous accidents each year. In 2018, 2,841 people lost their lives due to distracted drivers. Yet, many people continue to embrace distracting behaviors. Grooming oneself while driving is one of them.
Safe driving practices often involve concentrating on the road and driving safely. While it is doubtful that anyone could maintain 100% concentration all the time, minor distractions require the driver to return concentration to where it belongs. When someone decides to comb their hair or otherwise groom themselves behind the wheel, attention may become lost for several minutes.
Do not think that running a comb through your hair for only 15 seconds is not enough time for a crash to happen. Sometimes, avoiding a collision requires a split-second reaction. Taking the steps of snapping back into reality when it becomes evident a collision may occur, ceasing the grooming and reacting with defensive driving could take too long.
Avoiding a reckless driver is one reason not to groom yourself behind the wheel. Another reason centers on not becoming a dangerous driver. Distracted drivers who cause accidents may face serious legal claims if they hurt someone.
Negligence and distracted driving
Negligence involves committing an action that causes unnecessary or avoidable harm to another person. Negligent drivers have a duty to prevent accidents or hurt others. When a person engages in distracted driving, they may hurt their ability to perform these duties, potentially leaving them civilly liable.
An insurance claim might lead to a settlement for victims. If the amount offered is insufficient, a trial could follow.
