Accident Shows Distracted Driving Takes Many Forms

02/05/2010

A quirky accident in Massachusetts is serving as a reminder of how distracted driving can take many forms.

In late January, various media outlets told the story of a truck driver who choked on a bite of chili from a fast food restaurant and apparently lost consciousness, driving into a house and leaving a large hole in it.

A report in the Lowell Sun newspaper said that driver reported hitting a bump in the road and having the chili go "down the wrong pipe," which led to him feeling lightheaded and coughing and driving into the house. The driver reportedly suffered a cut to his face while one woman who was home at the time was said to be unharmed.

From a road safety standpoint, the incident is a reminder that distracted driving involves more than just using an electronic gadget behind the wheel. Seemingly mundane activities like eating and personal grooming can also become highly dangerous when combined with inattention while driving.

With that in mind, people can avoid accidents and higher auto insurance premiums by making sure that they pay attention at all times behind the wheel, regardless of whether they have their cell phones turned on or not.