The National Safety Council (NSC) has declared the month of April to be Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for more than 3,400 fatalities in 2016 alone, and more than 390,000 injuries in 2015. Furthermore, it is estimated that about 481,000 people are using a cell phone while driving at any time during the day. Distracted driving puts everyone at risk, and our firm wants you to be informed of what distracted driving is and how you can increase your safety.
Distracted Driving Involves More Than Just Using a Cell Phone
When many people think of distracted driving, they think only of using a cell phone. However, there are actually 3 main types of distracted driving.
These include:
- Manual Distractions. Manual distractions refer to things that take your hands off the wheel. Holding a drink, changing the A/C or radio controls, reaching into a purse or wallet, and holding a GPS all count as manual distractions.
- Visual Distractions. Visual distractions refer to things that take your eyes off the road. Gazing at the scenery, looking in the backseat, reading another car’s bumper sticker, and glancing down at a GPS or cell phone are examples of visual distractions.
- Cognitive Distractions. Cognitive distractions refer to things that take your mind off of driving. Worrying about work or family issues, daydreaming, having a heated argument with a passenger, and listening to your favorite music are common examples of cognitive distractions.
Using a cell phone falls into all 3 categories. It takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and your mind off of driving. However, there are a variety of distractions that could put you at risk for a crash. It is important to avoid distractions at all costs so you can drive in a safe and legal manner and avoid an accident.
How Can I Avoid Distracted Driving?
There are several steps you can take to avoid distracted driving. If you have a hard time staying off your phone, you should turn it off and put it in the backseat or even in the trunk. This will help eliminate the temptation to text while behind the wheel. If you do need to check your phone or send a message, you should have a passenger do it for you, or pull over and park in a safe location first.
In addition, you should adjust all mirrors, A/C controls, and radio settings before starting out. If you need to eat, do so beforehand or after you reach your destination. By keeping both hands on the wheel, your eyes scanning the road, and your mind focused on driving, you can help avoid an accident and make the roads a safer place.
Dedicated Car Accident Attorneys in Corpus Christi
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, Sico Hoelscher Harris LLP is here to help. Our Corpus Christi car accident lawyers have guided countless clients to successful legal solutions. We know you are going through a stressful time, and will discuss your options, gather evidence to build your case, and tenaciously uphold justice from beginning to end.
Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation.