Blog

Drivers can’t let anything distract them from the road. One thing that pulls a lot of drivers away from their duties is a cellphone. Texting while driving is a huge issue that can easily claim lives because reading and writing messages takes time. Safety on the road is everyone’s business, so any driver should be aware of the dangers of texting and driving. It takes an average of 5 seconds to read or respond to a text. A driver who is traveling 55 miles per hour, which is slower than most interstate speeds, will go at least the distance equivalent to the length of a football field during that short 5-second period. You can imagine how many crashes can occur during that time. You must remember that cellphones aren’t the only distraction that drivers face. Other distractions that can impact drivers include billboards, food, beverages, other passengers, GPS devices and similar things. Even being deep in thought can distract drivers enough to where they don’t make the best decisions when they are driving. All drivers must avoid becoming so enthralled with things other than driving. Parents might not realize this, but what they are doing while they drive is what their teens are going to model when they start to drive. For this reason, all parents must set the proper example for their children. People who suffer injuries at the hands of a distracted driver might opt to seek compensation for the financial impacts of the crash. This can include money for medical bills, lost wages and other types of damages that might also be possible depending on the circumstances.

Distracted driving is a serious issue, taking many lives every year. All accidents caused by distraction are preventable, just like drunk driving accidents. That, in many ways, is the most tragic part of this whole situation. None of these accidents needed to happen. None of those lives needed to be lost. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you avoid distraction in the car: 1. Don’t leave loose items in the car A lot of distracted driving accidents happen when people reach to pick up items on the floor. It could be a cellphone charger, a water bottle, an old coffee cup or anything else. The key is to put everything away before you drive. Stash all loose items in pockets and compartments. Throw away garbage and other things you don’t need. If you drop something while driving, do not pick it up until you stop. 2. Turn off your phone The real key is simply not to use your phone while you drive. Don’t make calls, send text messages, check for notifications or go on social media. However, many people have a lot of trouble breaking their phone addiction, and they can’t resist picking it up. Simply turning it off until you arrive can help tremendously. 3. Set up your car before driving You should never have to make adjustments while you drive. Do them in advance. For instance, you may want to: Adjust the side mirrors Adjust the rearview mirror Buckle your seatbelt Program your GPS Turn on the AC or the heat Pick a radio station Once you start driving, you do not want to look away from the road at all. 4. Clear your mind Many distractions are simply mental distractions. You think about what you need to do at work. You worry about problems in a relationship. You brood over some slight or insult. Never drive while you feel overly emotional. Clear your mind, calm down and then get on the road. 5. Care for your children If you have kids in the car, make sure they’re ready to go before driving. Buckle them in. Give them drinks and snacks. Hand them their toys. Turn on a movie on the phone or tablet. Whatever you choose to do with the kids in the car, do not try to turn around and do it while you drive. Children are one of the biggest distractions drivers have to deal with. Car accidents These tips can help you avoid distraction, but that doesn’t mean it’s no longer a problem. If you get hit and injured by a distracted driver, you may need to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other costs.