Distracted driving is a major issue in the United States. It can lead to serious accidents and even fatal car crashes. Distractions are very common and problematic because they lead to avoidable mistakes and errors – and human error causes most car accidents.
Unfortunately, even if you don’t make any mistakes, distracted drivers are still going to, and their actions can cause a serious accident. Thankfully, by minimizing the distractions affecting your driving, you may be in a strong position to react quickly enough to avoid the hazardous maneuvers of a distracted driver.
Turn off your phone
Phones are the most common sources of driver distraction, so it’s best to turn yours off in the car. At the very least, your phone should be silenced and set away somewhere where it won’t draw any attention. Anyone who calls or texts can wait until you arrive at your destination safely.
Prepare your car in advance
People often get distracted simply because they’re trying to do other things while they drive. Maybe they’re looking for a certain song that they want to listen to. Maybe they’re typing in directions into a GPS. Maybe they just have to adjust the mirrors. All of these things should be done in advance so that the vehicle is ready to go as soon as you pull out of the driveway.
Stay focused on the task at hand
A lot of people get distracted just because they’re complacent. They drive so often that they find themselves feeling bored and they don’t really think about the risks they’re facing. But you always need to focus on the task at hand. This means avoiding distractions like reading billboards or gawking at accidents. Remember that driving is dangerous and relatively difficult, and it takes your full attention to do this task justice.
What if you still get injured?
As noted above, even if you are behaving conscientiously, you could certainly still be involved in an accident caused by another driver. If this happens, be sure you know what legal options you have to pursue compensation. Seeking legal guidance is a good place to start.