April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!
1.6M+ Motor Vehicle Accidents Occur Each Year Due To Distracted Driving!
In the United States, distracted drivers behind the wheel have truly aided in the creation of a nationwide epidemic.
In conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States released Distraction.gov – a website aimed at educating drivers and passengers across the country through investigative statistics and information, from reliable outlets & organizations.
It’s clear that distracted driving can certainly be the direct cause of many motor vehicle, truck, bus, or motorcycle accidents that occur in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. With that said, and the idea of distracted driving being quite common knowledge, it’s no secret that many motorists are routinely engaged in one or more of the following while driving:
- Texting, Emailing, Using Social Media
- Watching Videos/Using the Internet
- Taking Photos/Selfies
- Eating/Drinking/Grooming
- Using a GPS/Navigation Software
- Impaired Driving (DUI/DWI)
- Drowsy Driving
What are the Types of Distracted Driving?
According to Esurance, the three most common forms of distracted driving are cognitive, visual, and manual distractions.
Cognitive distractions are when a driver’s mind is not properly focused on the road in front of them. For instance, if a driver is more focused on speaking to passengers or being focused on problems at work, or at home.
Anything that takes your mind off the road is a potential risk, whether that be listening to your favorite playlist, or podcast – or even thinking about what you should make for dinner.
A visual distraction is when a driver takes their eyes off the road for any reason, whether it’s to use an electronic device like a GPS or a cell phone or if they’re in the process of being distracted by something occurring off to the side of the road, which is commonly called rubbernecking.
Manual distractions are when drivers remove their hands from the usual and recommended “ten-and-two” position, for example, to eat and drive, or retrieve something from their wallet, purse, or backpack.
Teens Are at Greater Risk for Accidents
Recent studies from both the CDC and the NHTSA are indicating that young drivers (15-30) are at more of a risk for distracted driving accidents.
The NHTSA found that 10% of drivers aged 15 to 19 years old who were also involved in fatal accidents were distracted at the time of the crash itself. According to the CDC, in 2018, the death rate for male drivers ages 16-19 was roughly two times higher than that of the rate for female drivers of the same age. Furthermore, data from the ’16-’17 National Household Travel Survey found that the risk of a motor vehicle accident due to distracted driving is much higher in the months following a license being issued for the first time.
Ten Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving
Here are ten helpful tips to make sure you’re actively trying to prevent driving while distracted:
- Fully Focus on Driving: Don’t allow anything to hinder the attention you should be placing on the road. Make sure to be actively scanning all lanes around you, use your mirrors, and stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Put Away Possessions: If there is anything that can prevent you from being focused on the task at hand, it may be best to store it away before you begin your trip.
- Finalize Your GPS Before Departure: Use vehicle systems like your GPS before your pull out of your driveway or parking spot, and if you need to adjust them while driving, make sure to pull off the road onto the shoulder to do so.
- No Grooming: Finish dressing and personal grooming at home – this should be non-negotiable. There’s no reason you need to be using a razor in the rear-view mirror while you’re on the highway.
- Hungry? Pull Over: If you’re feeling hungry while you’re driving, having a snack is a great idea. However, make sure you’re not snacking on foods that can become hard to eat or a distraction. If you find yourself in that position, pull over or stop altogether and sit down and have a meal.
- Secure Precious Cargo: Make sure that your child/children or any pets are secure in their designated areas before you start to drive.
- No Electronics: We can’t stress this enough – please don’t use cell phones while driving – handheld or hands-free – except in absolute emergencies. The same goes for text messaging, email, video games, or the internet.
- Have a Good Team Around You: If you have passengers in the vehicle with you, ask them to help you so you can focus on the road and the road only.
- Don’t Split Your Attention: If something comes up and it’s urgent, pull to the side, and put on your hazard lights. There’s no need for you to try and multitask while behind the wheel.
- And our final tip? It’s simple – just drive. Focus on the road, hands on the steering wheel, seat belt on, and get yourself from point A to point B safe and sound.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today! Sign Up Below!
If you sustained injuries, in a motor vehicle accident, anywhere in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia, our attorneys at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban may be able to help.
We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Call us today at (855) 435-7247 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
You can also contact us by filling out the form below. Once you’ve filled it out, and we’ve received it, we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as we possibly can. We look forward to hearing from you!
