5 Common Distractions In Your Car
You want to stay safe on the road, and one of the best ways to do that is to avoid distracted driving. But before you eliminate distractions you need to know what they are! Here are five common distractions in your car.
1. Cell Phones
We live in a time and age when we use our cell phones for just about everything. While they can be of huge benefit in most cases, when it comes to driving they are best left in the glove box where they won’t be a distraction. Talking and texting are the cause of most distracted driving accidents. According to the National Safety Council, cell phones are involved in 26% of all car crashes. You can eliminate more than a quarter of distracted driving accidents simply by putting your phone away.
2. Lost in Thought
There are many ways to be distracted in your car, and sometimes one of the biggest culprits has nothing to do with objects in your car. Simply being distracted, or lost in thought, is one of the five common distractions when driving. When you’re operating a vehicle at any speed, it is important to remain alert and focused at all times. Day-dreaming or letting your mind wander for a few minutes at work or school may be harmless, but when it comes to driving it can be the difference between life and death.
3. Other Passenger
If you’re riding with a car full of friends or have children in the backseat, they may be distracting you more than you think. Other passengers can be a major distraction; it’s only natural to talk to them and interact. While you don’t have to ignore them to be a safe driver, you need to be sure that your attention is first and foremost on the road.
4. Making Adjustments
Before you pull out of your driveway, it is important to make any necessary adjustments. Adjusting your temperature, radio, seat, rear-view mirror, or any other setting in your vehicle while driving can be a distraction and accident waiting to happen. You’ll feel less stressed and more comfortable on your drive if you make adjustments upfront.
5. Not Looking at the Road
Whether you are trying to put your makeup, gobbling down a quick breakfast, or looking for a road sign, not looking at the road is another major distraction. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready before heading out the door, and extra time to find a new location so that you can keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Sometimes despite your best efforts to avoid distractions in the car, accidents happen. They may be because you are distracted, or it may be because someone else on the road is distracted and you are unfortunately involved. That is why it is always best to be prepared and know what happens after a car accident. There are many auto accident checklists available for reference. Your insurance company can also help. For example, insurance companies like Geico can provide information on what to do in an accident.
Whether you’re involved in an major accident or a minor accident with no police report, you want to know your rights. This is where a personal injury lawyer comes in handy. They can help you determine personal injury settlements, and even navigate an injury investigation checklist. You may be in pain following an accident, but you don’t have to let it affect your work or other areas of your life too. Choose a car accident lawyer you can trust, like the attorneys at Cockayne Law.
