5 Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving Accidents

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

Each year, an average of over 3,200 people are killed and over 400,000 people are injured in distracted driving accidents across the United States. Whether it comes from talking on a cell phone, texting, adjusting the radio, or any other activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road, distracted driving is one of the greatest dangers to public safety in modern life.

In fact, a recent study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, a technology company that tracks driving habits, found that nearly 25 percent of drivers were using a phone within one minute before being involved in a car accident.

The temptation to pay attention to a phone call or text or perform some other activity that distracts from driving is a problem, but drivers can improve safety on the road by following these tips:

1. Turn off your phone - Using a cell phone while driving makes you 400 percent more likely to get into an accident, and texting while driving makes the chances of an accident 23 times more likely. If possible, turn your phone off altogether when you are behind the wheel, and if you need to make a call or send a message, pull over to a safe place before doing so.

2. Avoid adjusting controls - Taking your eyes off the road to adjust environmental controls, move the position of your seat, or change the station on the radio can be dangerous, even if you only do so for a moment. If possible, use presets for your controls or have a passenger make any necessary adjustments.

3. Pull over if you need to care for children - Be sure children are fully buckled up and their needs are attended to before you begin driving. If you need to take care of them in any way, pull over to a safe place before doing so.

4. Avoid trying to multi-task - Drivers often try to complete various other tasks while driving, such as combing or brushing their hair, shaving, putting on makeup, reading, or writing. Trying to divide your attention between the road and other activities is a recipe for disaster.

5. Do not eat or drink while driving - It is often tempting to have a bite to eat or keep a cup of soda or coffee on hand while you drive, but stopping at a safe place to eat or drink can help you stay focused on the road and avoid dangerous distractions.

Contact a Lake County Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident which was caused by a distracted driver, the experienced attorneys at Salvi & Maher, LLP can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your damages. Contact a Waukegan distracted driving accident lawyer today by calling 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation.

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html

http://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/distractdrive.cfm

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-distracted-driving-study-20170403-story.html