10 Distractions That Keep You from Driving Safely (Pt.1)
Personal Injury Lawyer | Our society has become so technologically driven in recent years that it is a rare occasion to find an individual who does not have a cellphone or other digital device on them at any given time. While these devices allow us to remain connected to family, friends and work, they also open the door to multi-tasking in situations when it is dangerous.
Multi-tasking behind the wheel and other driver distractions have become extremely common and are now a major cause of car accidents injuries and deaths across the country. In fact,distracted driving accidents kill an estimated nine people and injure another 1,150 people per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
10 Most Common Driver Distractions
It is not only cellphone use and texting that can distract drivers. Essentially any activity that causes you to take your eyes and mind off driving greatly increases the likelihood of a collision.
The official U.S. government site for distracted driving attributed a total of 3,154 fatalities and 424,000 injuries in one recent year to crashes involving at least one driver distraction.
Ten of the most common driver distractions include:
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Using a handheld cellphone or smartphone.
Although Florida has not banned or restricted the use of cellphones and other hand-held devices while driving, these are the cause of some of the most tragic motor vehicle accidents. Talking on a handheld cellphone diverts a driver’s attention from the important task of safe driving.
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Using a hands-free electronic device.
According to Distraction.gov, use of a hands-free or voice-controlled device does not substantially improve the distracted driving risk. Making calls, composing emails or doing other activities with a hands-free electronic device still requires a driver’s attention – attention that should be focused on driving.
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Reading, composing or sending text messages.
Distraction.gov reports that the average time a person has his or her eyes off the road while texting is about five seconds. This is the amount of time it takes to travel the length of a football field while driving at 55 mph, all while blindfolded. Most states, including Florida, have banned texting while driving, but many drivers still engage in the dangerous habit.
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Eating or drinking.
Eating and drinking while behind the wheel of a vehicle is so commonplace that many people do not even consider it to be a distraction. People do this in an effort to save time or avoid having to stop while en route to a destination. Since eating or drinking requires a driver take his or her hands off the wheel and eyes off the road even for just a few seconds, it is dangerous and should be avoided. – Pajcic
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