- From the odd to the outrageous, here's what drivers have done on the road...
People have been caught doing some truly bizarre and downright dangerous things while driving. Distracted driving accounts for 13% of all injury crashes. Even though the consequences of an accident can be serious, it’s still interesting to see how people are multitasking behind the wheel. From grooming to performing a concert, here are some of the weirdest things drivers have seen on the roads.
- Playing musical instruments
We all know texting while driving is dangerous, not to mention illegal in most areas. But some people have reportedly taken distracted driving to a new level by playing a musical instrument from behind the wheel.
Although it doesn’t seem like many people have been pulled over for this offense, it seems to be pretty common. For instance, some people have been seen playing the accordion while driving, while others prefer to play the trumpet behind the wheel.
- Stopping to pet the wildlife
Although the driver technically stopped first, this one is worth mentioning. Recently, a Colorado driver stopped on a main road to interact with a large bull elk, challenged him to a fight, and ended up with a popped tire. Apparently his actions could have resulted in a $200 fine and a license penalty.
It should be common sense that wild animals can be unpredictable, and attempting to engage them from your car is a bad idea. Apparently some people need to learn the hard way.
- Using a laptop to do homework
Some drivers have been seen using laptops while driving, presumably to do homework on the way to school. It’s nice to have a car that doubles as a mobile office or study space, but it’s hard to imagine being able to use a laptop behind the wheel without causing an accident.
- Shaving
It’s pretty common for men to shave their face while driving using an electric razor. With a clean-shaven face, you can shave with an electric razor without looking. However, some people have been caught wet shaving while driving. It’s not exactly clear how they manage to lather up or rinse off, but it’s happening out there during commute hours. This brings up a pressing question: does shaving cream make the steering wheel sticky?
It’s not just men who get caught shaving while driving. Some people have reportedly seen women shaving their legs on the dash. One woman actually caused an accident because she was shaving her bikini area.
- Taking selfies
Although it’s not safe, it’s understandable when people use a smartphone for GPS or texting. However, it’s odd when people take selfies from behind the wheel. You’d think they would want to stop first to get a steady shot they can frame better, but taking selfies while driving happens.
- Reading the newspaper
If you’ve ever wondered if people still read the newspaper, the answer is yes. We know because people have reported seeing other drivers reading the newspaper while behind the wheel.
- Eating spaghetti
It’s normal for people to eat while driving, but one Idaho driver witnessed someone eating spaghetti out of a Tupperware container at 8:00 a.m. on the freeway. I guess if you have tasty leftovers, anything makes a great breakfast.
- Reading a book
It’s one thing to glance at a text message while driving (even though that’s dangerous), but it’s on a whole other level to read a book. There have been many people spotted driving on the freeway staring at a book in the middle of their steering wheel.
- Having a conversation with another driver
Most people talk while driving, but the conversation is usually contained within their car. However, all bets are off when some people see their friends on the road. A lot of people slow down and roll down their windows to talk to other drivers they know. On a mostly-empty neighborhood road, it’s not so bad, but it happens on main roads, too.
- Brushing their teeth
Oral hygiene is important, but when someone brushes their teeth behind the wheel, do they swallow the toothpaste or spit it out the window?
Distracted driving is dangerous
Multitasking behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. Nothing is urgent enough to take your attention away from the road. The only people who should be engaging in non-driving activities in a vehicle are the passengers.