Distractions are everywhere, whether texting on your cell phone, eating, adjusting controls, or simply talking with other passengers. There are more drivers than ever before losing focus on the road and endangering themselves and the lives of others. According to the CDC, eight individuals die every day in the U.S due to a crash involving a distracted driver.
When a driver loses focus and diverts their attention to anything other than driving, it increases the risk of a severe impact. In 2018, there were over 2,800 fatalities and roughly 400,000 injury victims due to distracted driving-related accidents. Operating a vehicle is a life or death matter that should be taken seriously by all drivers.
In honor of April being National Distracted Driving Month, our Chicago car accident attorneys provide essential safety tips to help drivers minimize distractions behind the wheel to prevent a severe motor vehicle accident.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
First and foremost, to reduce your chances of getting involved in a crash caused by impaired attention, it's crucial to understand the potential risks involved in distracted driving.
Distractions divert a motorist's attention away from the road when driving; this can cause a driver to miss essential turns and cause the driver to slam on the brakes at the last second or other road hazards. Several alarming activities can decrease driver's attention and increase the potential for a severe crash:
Taking your eyes off the road could simply be checking yourself in the mirror or texting and driving.
Rummaging through the vehicle while driving could be trying to reach an object or adjusting controls.
Having hands off the steering wheel; this action is hazardous because it can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Distracted Driving Prevention
To ensure your safety while operating your vehicle, it's essential to become a defensive driver and implement driving safety tips; this can help reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.
Only use your cell phone for emergencies while driving; nothing is as important as the road ahead!
Be mindful of how many passengers you allow in your vehicle when driving. The more people, the more distractions.
Refrain from eating while driving.
If you are fatigued, pull over.
Do not fumble with music controls when you are operating your vehicle. If you want to change the station or adjust controls, do so before driving.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, McNabola & Associates, LLC is here to help. Contact us today at (312) 888-8700 to speak with a member of our team.