7 Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior. The NHTSA estimates that in 2021 alone, distracted driving claimed over 3,500 lives. Even a few seconds of distraction are enough to cause a serious accident that results in severe injuries and even death. Unfortunately, the cost of distracted driving accident injuries and fatalities can be significant.
It is crucial for all drivers to avoid distracted driving and drive safely. Below, we share some ideas that can help you avoid distracted driving and drive safely;
- Identify the Risks
The first and most vital step towards avoiding distracted driving is recognizing driving distractions. Often, when people hear of distracted driving, they think of phones. However, while texting or using the phone is the most common form of distracted driving behavior, there are more driving distractions. They include grooming, eating/drinking, using the navigation system, and fidgeting with the radio.
- Prepare/Plan for Your Trip Early in Advance
Before you hit the road, you should pre-program your navigation system. Also, it would be best to pre-program music before hitting the road. If, for whatever reason, you don’t pre-program your navigation system or music, ask the front passenger to take care of GPS duty or program music. Do not take your eyes off the road to program your navigation system or music.
- Turn Off Your Phone
Turn off your phone or put it on “do not disturb” mode until you reach your destination (if possible). Doing this can help you avoid the temptation of browsing online, texting, or reading texts while driving.
Only use your phone if it is an emergency. And even then, pull off the road, if you can, before using your phone. And remember, while hands-free devices might be a bit safer, you could still get distracted.
- Finish Dressing and Grooming Before Getting Behind the Wheel
Finish dressing and grooming before leaving the house and getting behind the wheel. If you apply make-up, make sure you finish doing your make-up in the house. It can be extremely dangerous to apply your make-up while driving.
- Limit the Number of Passengers
Another thing you can do that can help prevent distracted driving is to limit how many people you carry in your car. Limiting the number of passengers in your vehicle can ensure the environment is non-distracting.
- Request Passengers To Cooperate
Passengers can be a major distraction for drivers. For example, teenagers can create a chaotic environment that makes safe driving impossible. Playing loud music, fighting, and crying out for attention are examples of things children do that make safe driving impossible. Before setting off on your journey, politely request your passengers not to engage in behavior that may distract you.
- Properly Secure Children and Pets
If children and pets are in the car, ensure they are properly secured. Kentucky law requires children under 40 inches to be placed in car seats. If your children or pets need your attention while you are on the road, pull over before checking on them. Do not try reaching into the backseat while driving. You could lose control of the vehicle.
Legal Help Is Available
Our London auto accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm can help you if you or a loved one is injured in a distracted driving car accident.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
