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Do Any of These 10 Distractions Keep You from Driving Safely?
Aug28
Posted by The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic in Car Accidents
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 in the Jacksonville area and 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.
Ten of the most common driver distractions include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have You Been Hurt in an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident that you believe was caused by a distracted driver, you should speak with a qualified car accident attorney in Jacksonville as soon as possible. If another driver’s negligence was responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
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 in the Jacksonville area and 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:
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.
Using a hands-free electronic device.
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.
Eating or drinking.
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.
Tending to personal grooming.
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.
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.
Making adjustments to the radio, air conditioning or other controls.
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.
Have You Been Hurt in an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident that you believe was caused by a distracted driver, you should speak with a qualified car accident attorney in Jacksonville as soon as possible. If another driver’s negligence was responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
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