Putting your makeup on in the car is a very bad habit that represents a serious risk of causing auto accidents. So, stop while you’re ahead but read on to find out why this is such a bad idea and how it can put your life at risk, and, at the very least, prove a very expensive mistake.
Driver Distraction: The Biggest Threat on The Road
Applying makeup while you’re driving, even if it is while you are fully stopped, takes your eyes, and focuses off the road, which is where it really belongs. Remember, when you are behind the wheel, your number one focus and priority needs to be following the rules of the road and ensuring that you don’t endanger yourself, your passengers, pedestrians, and the other vehicle occupants around you.
All of this becomes exceedingly difficult when you’re trying to fix your lipstick, put on some mascara, applying blush, or messing around with your eyeliner.
Aside from distracted driving, the other main causes of car crashes are:
- Drunk or otherwise intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Turning without looking
- Running red lights
- Bad weather
- Low visibility
- Roadside hazards
Another thing to keep in mind here is that for those who may be in the habit of applying makeup while waiting for a red light or stuck in traffic, other things can happen on the road that you need to be able to respond to quickly, even when you are stopped.
For example, you need to be able to move the car quickly to the side if an ambulance comes by, or if a falling object comes down from an overpass above you.
With that in mind, what are the consequences in terms of safety, legal issues, and insurance hikes if you do get in an accident because you were distracted from putting on makeup?
Safety Risks
Car accidents are no joke, and represent one of the leading causes of death in multiple age groups in the United States. Aside from the obvious deadly implications, car accidents can result in such injuries as:
- Broken neck and spinal cord damage, rendering you paralyzed for life
- Fractured skull or concussion, which can cause memory loss, mental incapacitation, or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken ribs and other bones
- Internal bleeding, which is fatal if not treated immediately
- Serious cuts and bruises requiring stitches
You can read more about the most common types of car crash injuries here.
Legal and Financial Consequences
In many cases, an accident that you’re in is going to go on your driving record, usually longer when you’re at fault. If you’re additionally charged by the police for something like reckless driving, it’s going to stay on your driving record.
All of these driving record blemishes have serious financial consequences. What this translates into are car insurance premium hikes. Depending on how much damage you caused and whether or not anyone got hurt because of an accident you caused while applying makeup, you might find your car insurance rates increasing by thousands of dollars per year.
When the police get involved in these kinds of situations and depending on how reckless you were being, you may find yourself getting your license revoked.
Even if it’s a temporary thing, this can be a huge pain, as it’ll mean you need to completely alter your commuting schedule. This could involve having to get up an hour earlier to take the bus or deal with the abject humiliation of getting a ride from your neighbor or co-worker for the next three months.
Finally, even beyond the potential criminal charges, you may find yourself liable for damages. If you hit someone and injure them or cause serious damage to their vehicle, they can sue you, and you could very well find yourself paying untold amounts of money as a result of a civil court order. Beyond the potential loss of life, this is truly the nightmare scenario.
Use this link if you require legal advice after being involved in a car accident, whether or not you were at fault.
About the Author
Cheryl Roy has built a successful legal career over the years. However, she wanted to reach out to people beyond her practice and decided to do so by writing. Cheryl took it as a personal mission to make legal information more accessible to the public. Therefore, she started sharing her expertise with individuals and businesses facing a legal dilemma. Now she has branched out to many online and offline platforms and works as a collaborative editor for Bader Scott Law Firm.
