Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the U.S. In fact, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention show that there were 2,800 people were killed and another 400,000 injured in nationwide distracted driving accidents in 2018.
There are three general types of driving distractions:
- Visual Distractions. Anything that takes your eyes off of the road.
- Manual Distractions. Anything that takes your hands off of the wheel.
- Cognitive Distractions. Anything that takes your mind off of driving.
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes, and even the most mundane activities can be dangerous behind the wheel. Here are some tips that you can implement as a driver to eliminate driving distractions and help keep yourself, your passengers, and others safe.
Make Adjustments Before Driving
Before you even get on the road, you want to ensure you have everything adjusted in your car so you don’t have to fumble around while driving. Make sure to adjust your mirrors, seat, climate control system, and sound system. Additionally, if you are using a GPS, put your directions into the navigation before you pull out.
Put the Phone Away
Cell phones and other electronics are some of the most dangerous driving distractions. You should always have your phone put away and on silent when you are behind the wheel so that you are not tempted to use it or answer a text. If you must use your phone, it should only be for emergency situations. Ideally, you should also pull over to the side of the road before getting it out.
Limit Your Passengers
Passengers are a common distraction while driving, especially for young or inexperienced drivers. It’s a good idea to limit the number of rowdy passengers in your car, and ensure that your teen drivers are not transporting many people at once. If your passengers are being distracting, you can tell them to be quieter so that you can focus on driving.
Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident?
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, our car accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of those injured across Texas. While our offices are based in Waco, we regularly assist clients in Austin and the surrounding areas.
Get in touch with our team at (254) 938-6885 to learn more about your legal options. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offer free case evaluations.