Shaving Privates, Texting and Putting on Makeup: Can Cause Automobile Accident

By: Justin Vasquez, Car Insurance Analyst
CheaperCarInsurance.com

The internet is abuzz at the news that a 37-year-old woman in the Florida Keys got into an automobile accident because she was shaving. No, not her legs or even her face. The woman was shaving her private parts… While driving.

We’ve heard of people getting into accidents while texting, putting on makeup, even reading, but this is a first. Apparently Megan Barnes wanted to be “fresh” for her date with her boyfriend, so while driving she asked her ex-husband, who was in the car with her (ahem) to hold the wheel while she took care of business.

While grooming herself, Barnes rear ended a truck and injured three passengers. But she didn’t stop. Instead she kept driving for half a mile, and at some point, switched drivers. When the couple was apprehended, Barnes’ ex claimed to have been driving the whole time.

Barnes was apparently on probation and had her license revoked for five years just the day before this incident thanks to a previous DUI and driving with a suspended license. If found guilty of violating her probation, she will receive a year in jail, and probably won’t step foot in the driver’s seat for quite a while. We’ll be sending you bandaids wherever you are, Megan.

This may be the strangest cause of a car crash, but there certainly have been many automobile accidents while people try to do two or more things at once. Here are some of the most common examples of accident causers:

• Texting
• Talking on cell phone
• Putting on makeup
• Eating
• Searching for something on floor
• Reading a book (yes, reading)
• A combination of any of these

Some people have gotten into automobile accidents while performing or receiving sexual acts. How embarrassing!

Dangers of Being Distracted While Driving

Causing an automobile accident when doing one of these things isn’t just stupid, it’s unsafe. You can injure other people or yourself, and you can damage your or other vehicles.

Getting into an automobile accident raises your car insurance rate and you will have to pay out of pocket for car repairs. Avoid unnecessary expenses by driving safely and not distracted.

You may think you’re getting multiple things done at the same time, but really you’re doing none of them well. And while maybe you’ve put your makeup on successfully every day before work for years, all it takes is one slip up, one second not looking at the road, to cause an accident. It’s definitely not worth the risk.

Avoid Getting in an Automobile Accident

The best way to not end up smeared all over the internet (or the road) is to avoid doing something stupid while driving. It can wait, whatever it is you feel you have to do right now.

Minimize distractions by taking care of phone calls and texts before you get in the car. Turn off your phone when you are driving or pull over to take important phone calls. Get up early to ensure you have time to put on your makeup, shave (any part of your body) and eat before you drive.

And while sitting in rush hour traffic can be a drag, reading a book while on the road isn’t a smart idea. Opt for a book on cd or a good mix cd to keep you entertained.

Keep the music down to a dull roar so it doesn’t also distract you, and avoid piling too many friends in your car, because the more people you tote, the more distracting it is to you as the driver.

Posted: March 10, 2010