Tips to Help Prevent Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can be deadly. Every year in the U.S., thousands of people die in accidents involving distracted drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,800 people were killed, and an estimated 400,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes in 2018.

The consequences of distracted driving may seem overwhelming. Continue reading to learn more about the risks of distracted driving and how you can help prevent distractions behind the wheel.

Why is Distracted Driving Dangerous?

Distracted driving is dangerous because it takes your attention away from the task at hand: driving. What may not seem like a big deal to a driver can be a massive error that leads to a car accident. Distractions – such as texting, talking on a phone, changing the radio, and eating – are simple tasks that can impact your passengers and others on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting is one of the most dangerous distractions because sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for roughly five seconds. As the NHTSA says, at a speed of 55 mph, this is equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

According to the CDC, there are three types of distraction. These include visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Any one of the three types of distracted driving can endanger others on the road. Vehicle occupants injured by distracted drivers can suffer severe and life-threatening injuries.

Who is at Risk for Distracted Driving Accidents?

According to several CDC studies, teens and young adult drivers are most at risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident. In 2018, twenty-five percent of distracted drivers in fatal accidents were 20-29 years old. Additionally, nine percent of all teens who lost their lives in traffic crashes were killed in distracted driving accidents. A 2019 CDC survey also revealed that 39-percent of high school students who drove in the past 30 days admitted to texting to emailing while driving at least once.

Tips to Help Prevent Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is preventable. The CDC has provided a few prevention measures that drivers, passengers, and parents can take to reduce distracted driving:

• Do not multitask (adjust your mirrors, picking music, etc.) while driving;
• If you are a passenger in a car with a distracted driver, ask the driver to focus on driving;
• As a passenger, reduce distractions for the driver by assisting with navigations or other tasks;
• If you’re a parent, talk to your teen or young adult driver about the rules and responsibilities of driving;
• Know your state’s distracted driving laws.

According to The American Automobile Association, you can also do some things before a trip or drive to help prevent distractions and keep your attention on the road. These include storing loose gear and possessions, adjusting your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls, and sound systems; eating meals and snacks; securing children and pets; and finishing personal grooming before you get on the road.

Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident? Call William Mattar.

If a distracted driver has injured you, contact William Mattar  today. Our distracted driving accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injury victims get maximum compensation. We will advocate for you every step of the way. Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys today by calling (844) 444-4444 or filling out our free online form.