Distracted driving is one of the leading factors that cause accidents. As a society, we are becoming more and more entrenched in our devices and so busy that we cannot concentrate. Because of our fast-paced culture and the advances in technology, our distractions are only increasing and with them, so are vehicular accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three primary types of distractions, these include:
- Visual: when your not looking at the road or your environment and observing other drivers
- Manual: when you aren’t touching your steering wheel with your hands. Driving with your knees on the steering wheel doesn’t count.
- Cognitive: when you aren’t focused on driving and your mind is elsewhere.
We all get distracted from time to time and are all guilty of distracted driving. Some of us are more prone to drive distracted than others, and it is a hard habit to break. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and can result in accidents with horrible consequences. If you are serious about driving safely and also being a good example for your children to follow when they are old enough to drive, consider these tips.
Tips To Minimize Distracted Driving
In Florida, car accidents have increased. Florida isn’t the only state in the Union that has seen an increase in tragic accidents that resulted from automobile accidents. In our state, texting and driving is a no-no and it will be enforced. If you are caught texting while driving, you will be pulled over and can be fined. As of October 2019, if you are driving in any of the following areas, you are only allowed to use your wireless communication devices in a hands-free manner:
- Designated school crossing
- School zone
- Active work zone/construction site
Ready to pick up some tips that will help you put your phone down when you are driving?
- Keep your device out of reach which will make it much harder for you to get to it when you are in the car. We are so used to having our devices on-hand it is a reflexive response to grab your phone without thinking. Do yourself a favor and make it difficult to access your phone. Before you know it you will be accustomed to not looking at it while you drive and you just might be able to break that nasty habit.
- No text or call or email is that important that you have to risk taking it while you drive. If you have an emergency or if you’re receiving an emergency call, pull over to take it. Anything else can wait until you reach your destination. Your safety matters, the phone can wait. Even hands-free options can be distracting as they divide your attention. For this reason, it is best to just eliminate all communications with anyone who isn’t in your car while you are driving.
- If you are driving with others, it is unfair to put their safety at risk just because you don’t want to make the effort to put your device away. If those in your car are your kids, you are driving with precious cargo. They deserve to be in a safe environment at all times, and you shouldn’t be the source of a deadly hazard.
Have You Been Injured In A Car Accident By A Distracted Driver in Florida?
If you sustained injuries from a negligent driver you deserve compensation for your losses. The Tampa personal injury attorneys at the Vaughan Law Group are here to help. We are the Florida auto accident attorneys that you want on your side when you need to obtain compensation. Call our team of Tampa serious injury attorneys (407) 648-1426 to discuss your accident experience during a free consultation.
