Drivers in Wisconsin should know that distracted driving can be a deadly form of negligence. It resulted in 3,166 car crash fatalities in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it continues to be a widespread trend. To protect themselves and others, drivers should first understand the most distracting activities.

phone use is probably at the top of the list. This includes the use of hands-free devices. Ideally, drivers should pull over when they need to make an emergency call. Next, there is the distraction of eating and drinking. Safe drivers will want to set up a no-eating policy.

Having an excessive number of passengers can lead to distracting conversations. That’s why drivers, especially teen drivers, should consider limiting how many people they take along on rides. However, they could also rely on a passenger to perform potentially distracting actions like changing the radio station or checking on traffic.

Drowsiness, which is caused by sleep deprivation and aggravated by factors like shift work, sleep disorders and alcohol consumption, can lead to inattentive driving, too. Symptoms include heavy eyelids, trouble focusing and difficulty staying in one’s lane. On long road trips, drivers are advised to pull over for a 20-minute nap when their drowsiness becomes too much to bear.

If a distracted driver causes a motor vehicle accident, they could be held liable for any resulting damages. In this state, accident victims can recover damages as long as their degree of fault is less than the defendant’s. Still, it can be a challenge to get the other side to agree to a fair settlement. That’s why a victim may want an attorney who can build up a case and negotiate on their behalf.