Driving is all about multitasking. The brain and body control the vehicle using sight, coordination, perception, and judgment. Common distractions throw off this balance and make drivers lose focus, resulting in a car accident.
Unfortunately, many people die yearly in car accidents because of distracted drivers. For this reason, it is critical to know common distractions and how they can be avoided.
Hand-Held Devices
Hand-held devices are the riskiest distractions because they involve the eyes, ears, hands, and mind. Voice-texting eliminates the need to hold the phone, but interacting with someone like this still takes away focus. Emailing and using the internet while driving are also incredibly dangerous habits.
Put the phone on Do Not Disturb mode, place it in the console or somewhere else it cannot be seen, and check for messages at rest breaks or after the drive.
Looking at the GPS
A dashboard GPS device can help drivers avoid traffic and prevent them from getting lost, but interacting with it too much in a moving vehicle is dangerous. It is safer to set the route before leaving and to keep the volume at a reasonable level.
Drivers also get into accidents because they fiddle with other dashboard features, like temperature settings and music. When the route must be changed, pull over somewhere safe to do it.
Eating and Drinking
Eating a snack or meal in the car requires a driver’s hands and eyes, presenting a significant problem. There is also the possibility of a spill; if it is a hot drink, the consequences could be deadly. It is sometimes hard to wait, but safer to eat and drink before getting behind the wheel.
Passengers
Passengers make trips more exciting but can take away a driver’s attention. The distraction might come from an angry spouse, a crying baby, rambunctious teenagers, or an unhappy pet. Turning to the side or looking in the back of the car takes the eyes away from the road, and engaging with passengers removes focus.
Grooming
Plenty of other distractions can clamor for attention when a driver is trying to focus on the task at hand. Grooming happens when people cannot wait to comb their hair, apply lipstick, or even shave until they reach their destination.
Daydreaming
Daydreaming takes over people’s minds and can cause serious accidents. The best advice is to take deep breaths, be patient, and remain focused when driving.
Bowie Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Represent Clients in Distracted Driving Accident Cases
Distracted driving can cause severe accidents. For legal help after a distracted driving accident, contact our knowledgeable Bowie car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Call us at 202-331-1963 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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