Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving
Driving gets us to where we need to be, but that does not stop the world around us. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,000 people died as result of car accidents involving distracted driving in 2017. There are many distractions that a driver can face while on the road, and most are preventable.
Distracted driving is anything that diverts your attention from focusing on operating a car. This includes changing the radio station and speaking to others in the car, which may come naturally to us. However, one of the most dangerous instances of distracted driving has to do with mobile devices. Because of this, it is illegal in Illinois to use a cell phone while operating a car. This includes the use of tablets or personal digital assistants. No matter if you are talking on the phone, or using it to check the time, you are breaking the law. Exceptions include pulling over to the shoulder, using a “hands-free” device, or if it is an emergency.
It is difficult to avoid what is going on around us while in the car. However, it is in your best interest, your passengers, and the surrounding people, to focus your attention on driving. Consider these tips for cutting down on distracted driving:
- Do Not Multitask: Trying to do two things at once in any instance limits the success of your tasks. While you may be technically accomplishing two things at once, the quality of those things decreases significantly. The same goes for driving and attempting to eat a meal or apply makeup. You are not really enjoying that everything bagel with cream cheese, and your driving suffers as well. To avoid distracted driving via multitasking, plan ahead. Consider waking up five minutes earlier for your commute to limit what part of your morning routine you need to finish in the car.
- Turn Off the Phone: As we have mentioned before cell phone use is a common form of distracted driving. For some people, the temptation to check your notifications or respond to a text is too strong, and they end up checking their phone despite it being against the law. If this is a problem for you, turn off your phone while driving to resist the temptation. If that is a step too far, consider downloading an app that mutes your messages while your car is in motion. Some will even send out a text for you so you are still connected, but safe
Contact an Aurora Car Accident Attorney
While you have the power to limit your own distracted driving, not everyone will be so diligent. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident where distracted driving was a contributing factor, contact a Kane County car accident attorney to discuss your options after facing pain and suffering. Call our office at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
https://www.farmers.com/learn/plan-and-prep/distracted-driving/
