Modern vehicles are loaded with technological systems that are designed to make our lives easier and more convenient. However, when presented with such flashy options, it’s easy for distracted driving to occur, and it certainly seems to be becoming more prevalent these days. The good news, though, is that distracted driving and its related accidents are preventable. Here’s what you need to know.
Distracted Driving Statistics
In 2022, distracted driving accidents claimed over 3,300 lives in the U.S. The CDC also reports that roughly nine people are killed each day in distracted driving crashes across the country. Some calculations actually place these figures much higher due to the fact that proving distracted driving may be difficult; the highest estimates suggest that distracted driving is a factor in nearly 29% of all deaths in relation to crashes.
3 Types of Distracted Driving That Cause Car Crashes
There are three distinct forms of distracted driving, which are as follows:
- Visual: Anything that takes your eyes off the road
- Manual: Distractions that cause you to take your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Anything that causes your mind to wander, diverting your focus
Some activities involve all three distractions. For example, texting while driving requires you to take at least one hand off the wheel, divert your eyes, and shift your attention.
Common Examples of Distracted Driving
Some of the most common activities that distract drivers include the following:
Phone Use
Smartphone usage is often demonized as the primary cause of distracted driving accidents. However, it only played a factor in about 12% of fatal distracted driving crashes in 2022.
Still, talking on the phone is undoubtedly distracting, even if you are using a hands-free device. While the conversation you are having may be very important, it’s vital that you keep the majority of your mental focus on the road.
Eating and Drinking
During a busy day, you may have no choice but to grab a bite to eat in between errands or on your way home from work. But trying to eat or drink while behind the wheel can be especially distracting and thusly dangerous.
Adjusting the Radio
Interacting with your car’s infotainment system or even something as minuscule as setting the volume can lead to a crash. If your vehicle has radio control buttons on the steering wheel, use those, but if not, try to minimize how much time you spend changing things.
Talking to Passengers
Though it’s not something they intend to do, speaking with your passengers can take your focus off of what’s going on around your vehicle. Even if you are “watching” the road, your mind may be more invested in the conversation at hand. It may be best to table any heated or important discussions until you are safely parked.
Daydreaming or Fatigue
If you are on a long drive or have just left an extended work shift, it’s easy to become fatigued while behind the wheel. Daydreaming is also common while driving, especially if you have taken a particular route hundreds of times on your way to or from work.
Do your best to stay attentive, no matter how familiar you are with your route, and remember that just because you are driving safely does not mean that everyone else is. Staying attentive helps you prepare for any dangers that may emerge, such as someone running a red light or a pedestrian stepping out into the roadway outside of a crosswalk.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents
You can’t control what other drivers do or how much they focus on the road. However, you can control your actions and avoid being the distracted driver. Here are a few practical tips to consider for prevention of distracted driving:
Put Your Phone Away
Phone usage may only account for a small percentage of distracted driving accidents, but it is still one of the most dangerous types of distractions. Put your device away before you start your commute, and make a commitment not to engage in any texting while operating your vehicle, even at red lights and stop signs. While your car may be stopped, there is still a lot going on around you. A text can always wait, and if a matter is that urgent, the other person can call you.
Use Hands-Free Tech
Modern vehicles typically include Bluetooth connectivity features that facilitate hands-free phone usage. Take advantage of these features, and if your car does not have them, consider investing in a Bluetooth headset or wireless earbuds for your phone is a wise decision.
However, you must keep in mind that it’s illegal to wear headphones or earbuds in/over both ears while driving. Florida law requires you to keep one ear unobstructed so you can hear things going on in and around your vehicle.
Eat Before You Drive or Pull Over
Life gets busy, and you may feel like you don’t have time to stop to eat. However, you should pull over to eat whenever possible or eat before you get behind the wheel as the driver.
If you have to eat while driving, take a moment to prepare your food before leaving the parking lot of the establishment. Put your straw in your drink, locate the food in your bag, and unwrap any items so you won’t have to take your eyes off the road. Be careful to avoid spills, as well, and never attempt to eat a meal that requires two hands (i.e., eating from a bowl with a utensil) as you drive. This will increase your safety and the safety of those around you.
Take Breaks
If you are on a long drive or are simply feeling fatigued, take breaks. Stop and get out of your vehicle for a few minutes. If you are just too tired to keep driving, you may need to get some rest or take an extended break. Your safety is important.
What to Do if You’ve Sustained Injuries From Being Hit By a Distracted Driver
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a distracted driving crash, it’s important to speak with a personal injury accident attorney right away. They will understand that you are more than a statistic; you are a victim of a preventable incident who deserves justice. Contact Schrier Law Group to schedule a free consultation.
