Distracted driving has rapidly become one of the biggest dangers on the road. Texting while driving is especially dangerous. Even though most people recognize the danger, most people also admit to doing it themselves. If a distracted driver causes a crash, they are liable for any injuries and other damages that result. Below, we offer a few tips on how you can prevent distracted driving in your own vehicle. Of course, while taking these steps can help keep you out of some accidents or limit your liability in a crash, they can’t keep you completely safe from another driver’s negligence. If you’ve been hurt because of a distracted driver, call a seasoned Bronx car accident attorney for legal advice and representation.
Limit Phone Use to Emergencies Only
The principal contributor to distracted driving accidents is texting or otherwise using the phone while driving. Texting, browsing the internet, reading or posting on social media, direct-messaging people; all of these things take your eyes off the road, your attention off the task of driving, and your hands off the wheel. There is nothing so important that you need to text it immediately while actively driving. You certainly do not need to read anything on the internet or watch a video while driving.
If you must use your phone while driving, pull into a parking space or otherwise to a safe spot on the side of the road. If you have an emergency and need to make a call, and you have no way of safely pulling over, stick to hands-free calls. It’s hard to imagine a situation in which you need to send an emergency text message just this second rather than waiting until you can find a safe space, outside of traffic, to do so.
Finish Eating, Grooming, etc. Before Driving
Texting while driving is not the only form of driver distraction. Many people eat, do their makeup, do their hair, and even change clothes while driving. Plan ahead to give yourself sufficient time to take care of everything you need to do before getting behind the wheel. Finish your meal (or save the rest for when you arrive), finish grooming, and finish doing whatever else you need to do that will occupy your hands or eyes before you start driving. If you must eat or drink while driving, stick to foods that are easy to manage; nothing messy, and nothing that requires both hands. Multi-tasking while driving is likely to cause an otherwise avoidable crash.
Secure Loose Items Before Driving
Bottles, cans, packages, groceries, and other loose equipment or items can be flung around your car while you accelerate, brake, or turn. If one of these hits you or gets lodged under the brake or gas, you’ll be fumbling around with the loose object rather than focusing on the task at hand. Make sure to secure any loose items before you start driving to avoid having to deal with them in real time.
Limit the Number of Passengers and the Level of Activity
Having a full car full of talkative family and friends can be fun for long trips, but it can also create dangerous distractions. Novice drivers, in particular, should avoid having other young people in the car to ensure that they focus on driving until they get more experience. If your passengers are overly loud, talkative, or physical, let them know that they are creating a distraction that is putting you all in danger.
Pull Over Where Necessary
If anything comes up that does require your attention, pull over and focus on that task. If you are distracted by anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your attention too far from the task of driving, you are at an elevated risk of crashing. Pull over to a safe space, handle your business, and then get back on the road.
Call Today for Experienced Help With Your Bronx Car Accident Claim
If you were on the phone or otherwise distracted when you got hurt in a crash, the other driver’s insurer will be quick to lay at least some of the blame on you, which can limit or defeat your recovery. That’s one more reason why you need help from experienced car accident attorneys who know how to investigate a crash and put forward a strong case based on the facts when another driver is to blame. If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a traffic accident in The Bronx, contact the zealous and trial-ready New York personal injury lawyers of the Kohn Law Firm for a free consultation at 718-409-1200.