Simple Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

 Posted on May 07,2018 in Car Accidents

In 2016 alone, 37,461 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. The staggering number represents a 5 percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of the nearly 40,000 traffic fatalities in 2016, the NHTSA estimates that just under 10 percent can be attributed to distracted driving. In all, 3,450 Americans lost their lives in distracted driving accidents throughout 2016.

Distracted driving is defined as an activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road, such as having a conversation with a passenger, eating a meal, or sending a text message. If you or a loved one is injured in a motor vehicle accident and believe distracted driving was the cause, contact our experienced team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys to discuss your case and your options.

Consider the following tips to help ensure you do your part to help end the distracted driving crisis in our country. 

Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

• Limit Phone Use to Emergencies: One of the primary forms of distracted driving is cell phone use. As smartphone capabilities continue to expand, more and more drivers struggle with cell phone use while driving. The next time you drive, limit your phone use to emergencies only. If you must use your phone while driving, the use of bluetooth technology can keep your hands free and your eyes on the road. Changing your cell phone habits while driving may just save a life.
• Do Not Eat While Driving: Despite the fact that most Americans take part in eating while on the road, it can be an incredibly dangerous habit. Much like using your phone, eating while driving can divert your hands from the wheel and your eyes from the road. Next time you feel the urge to eat while driving, pull over to a rest-stop or stay at the restaurant.
• Limit the Number of Passengers: While carpooling continues to grow as an eco-friendly way to get to work and school, the more passengers there are in one vehicle, the higher the likelihood that the driver will be distracted. Engaging in conversations while driving can be one of the more dangerous forms of distracted driving. Plainly put, the less passengers in a vehicle the more focused the driver will be. Next time you are driving with passengers, remember that your focus and eye contact needs to be on the road, not the person to whom you are speaking.

Speak with a Lake County Car Accident Lawyer for Assistance

Despite our best efforts as drivers, accidents occur. It is up to each of us to do our part to positively contribute to highway safety. One way we can make our roads safer is to stay focused on the road. According to the NHTSA, roughly 481,000 Americans use their cell phones while driving during daylight hours. If we all do our part, we can work to reduce that number.

Still, other drivers continue to drive irresponsibly, thus endangering themselves and others on the road. If you or a member of your family are injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our knowledgeable and compassionate team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys to get the help you need.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/distracted-driving/technology-solutions