It’s a fact of life that we live in a multi-tasking society. While this definition of multi-tasking is positive, there are other occasions when it can be challenging to juggle multiple activities. One of these activities is driving.
Distracted driving involves doing other things aside from driving. Over 40,000 Americans died while on the road in 2016. It has been the most substantial rise in fatalities in more than 50 years. Not only does distracted driving cause damage to the lives of passengers and drivers, but it can also be tragic for other drivers who are doing their best to be careful while on the road.
For those who have been driving for several years, you have probably witnessed examples of distracted driving. Some shave while coursing through morning traffic, women who put on makeup while driving down a highway or, worse, someone reading a road map while attempting to keep their vehicle on the road. If the accident is someone’s fault, it is best to consult a distracted driving accident lawyer to assist you in obtaining your compensation. It is specifically possible when you or your family members have incurred severe injuries after the car accident.
Forms of distracted driving
Although most people usually think that distracted driving involves someone communicating on a mobile phone while driving, there are other types. Distracted driving is risky, especially if you do it along with talking to others and eating. It is because it keeps the mind of the driver away from the road.
Distractions such as adjusting the radio, stretching to support children, reaching for items that are falling, talking, eating, and texting may cause three classifications, namely:
- Visual distraction – When the driver tends to take his or her eyes away from the road.
- Manual distraction – When the driver removes his or her hands from the steering wheel.
- Cognitive distraction – When the driver’s mind has wandered from what he or she is doing.
Tips to prevent distracted driving
Whether you are texting someone or you have seen yourself busy behind the wheel, the following tips will prevent you from getting dangerous road activity.
- Turn your cellphone off or place it in silent mode. It will help eliminate the urge to browse past a red light online or reply to a text message immediately.
- Avoid multitasking. That consumes your vision or mind as it will be a diversion behind the wheel. Make meals and put on makeup when you are at home so that you can concentrate on the road.
- Do not be someone else’s distraction. Avoid texting or calling friends and family members to avoid upsetting them while they are driving.
- Talk to your boss. Motivate the boss to have a distracted driving strategy that involves waiting until they are conveniently parked before talking to the employees.
- Set an ideal example. If you are a parent, demonstrate attentive driving to your children. Avoid calling someone, grooming, eating, and texting behind the wheel.
- Create the itinerary before going somewhere. The programming of your navigation system will take your hands off the wheel as you drive. It is best to ask a passenger to accomplish it for you to reach your destination before leaving home.
- Set road guidelines. Try to limit the number of passengers if a new or teen driver is practicing behind the wheel.
- Do not reach for specific items if they fall while you are driving. Try to resist the temptation to look for particular objects while you are on a highway.
Anything that can take your eyes away from the road appears to be a distraction that can lead to a car accident. Bear in mind that there is no text or call worth putting yourself, your drivers, or passengers at risk. The road will be a safer place to travel if you will decide to fix your eyes on driving. That is because everything can wait until you reach your destination.
