10 Distractions That Keep You from Driving Safely (Pt. 2)
Personal Injury Attorneys | Part two of our guide to distraction-free driving:
5. Talking to passengers.
While it is enjoyable to have other people in your car with you, passengers increase the risk of driver distraction, particularly among teen drivers and those who have less driving experience. According to research conducted by AAA, an estimated 15 percent of distracted driving accidents involving teen drivers result from the driver interacting with passengers.
6. Tending to personal grooming.
Commuters who tend to personal grooming have become quite common in the hustle and bustle of today’s world. Even if you are running late and didn’t have time to put on your morning makeup or shave before your next client meeting, your commute is not a safe time to take care of these tasks. When driving, your attention should be on the road. Personal grooming should be done before you leave or after you arrive.
7. Daydreaming or getting lost in thought.
Many people consider driving to be an effective way to wind down after a hectic day. While this may be true, as soon as a person gets lost in thought and pays little attention to the road ahead, the results can prove fatal. Drivers keep their minds focused on driving at all times.
8. Using a GPS or in-vehicle navigation system.
Although vehicle manufacturers have made efforts to make in-vehicle systems less distracting, attempting to program a navigation system while driving remains unsafe. Drivers should enter their route prior to leaving in order to minimize the risk of distraction.
9. Making adjustments to the radio, air conditioning or other controls.
Most vehicles have controls either on the steering wheel or dashboard for easy accessibility when changing radio stations, adjusting mirrors, setting cruise control, changing the temperature and performing many other functions. However, if you have to take your eyes off the road to makes these adjustments, it could result in a distracted driving crash.
10. Reaching for an object.
It is important for drivers to take the time to secure items in their vehicle before hitting the road. Reaching for fallen objects requires you to take at least one hand off the wheel, and can require you lean over or turn your head, causing you to take your eyes off the road. Put loose items away before you leave. If you need an object or item, pull over where it is safe to stop and retrieve what you need. –Pajcic
If you or someone you know find yourselves in the middle of an automobile collision and need legal assistance. Or maybe, you just have questions regarding a legal matter. Our trusted personal injury attorneys at Printy Law Firm are ready to assist. Please do not hesitate to call and schedule a FREE Confidential Consultation by calling us at Tampa: 813-434-0649 | Tallahassee: 850-877-7299 or submitting a request.
