Top 4 Distracted Driving Behaviors to Avoid
If you drive regularly and on a daily basis to get to work, to run errands, and for other reasons, then you probably do not think about the dangers that can come when you get behind the wheel anytime you leave your home. But, considering that over six million car accidents happen every year in the United States, car accidents are a frequent occurrence. In just 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 41,000 people died in car accidents, and over 2.1 million people were injured in crashes and needed emergency treatment.
While you cannot control what other drivers do and how responsible they are with their actions and how they operate their automobiles, you can control your own behavior. There are several things that you can do to be a safe driver including paying attention to what you are doing and avoiding distractions. Distracted driving is very dangerous and one of the most common reasons for accidents happening. Avoiding distractions while behind the wheel reduces the risk of being in a car accident.
Victims of car accidents in Pennsylvania or New Jersey can call the South Jersey distracted driving injury attorney at Monaco Law PC for assistance with a claim.
Top Distractions While Driving
There are so many things that can divert your attention from the road when you are driving. Trying to ignore these things and concentrate on what you are doing is essential. Before you are ready to hit the road, remember these top distractions and do your best to avoid engaging in them.
Texting/Cell Phone
Using your cell phone to text, email, or look something up takes your eyes off of the road and your mind off of the task of operating your car. And while you may only momentarily look down to check something on your phone or to send a quick message, it only takes the littlest bit of time for things to quickly change on the road and an accident to happen. In fact, one out of every four car accidents that are reported in the U.S. happen because of a driver texting.
Passengers
Having passengers who can be rowdy or actively engaging in a conversation with car occupants is also quite distracting. Having others in the car is particularly dangerous for novice drivers who are still learning and gaining experience, so much so that a teen driver with a passenger in their vehicle is twice as likely to be involved in a deadly crash. The same is true for pets, which can also get in the way of paying attention to driving.
Food and Drink
Double tasking may be an efficient way to get things done in life in some circumstances that do not include driving. If you are hungry you should stop to eat and drink. Having a meal while driving divides your attention between getting a good bite and keeping yourself out of an accident.
Daydreaming
Sometimes, a driver could have a lot on their mind, preoccupying their thoughts. Daydreaming or zoning out, though, is a distraction and can lead to an accident.
Speak to a Pennsylvania and New Jersey Car Accident Injury Attorney Today
If you were in a car accident and would like assistance with a claim, you can call our car accident attorney at Monaco Law PC. To schedule a free initial consultation, call (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our office in Pennsylvania.
We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania car accident firm serving Atlantic County, Burlington County, Bucks County, Cape May County, Camden County, Chester County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Lancaster County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Montgomery County, Ocean County, and Salem County. Ou firm can handle cases throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Source:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/index.html
