Distracted driving is a dangerous type of driving behavior that pulls your attention away from safely operating a vehicle and significantly increases the risk of an accident. In fact, approximately nine people in the U.S. are killed by a distracted driver each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fortunately, distracted driving-related accidents are completely avoidable. Below, Simien & Simien’s Baton Rouge car accident lawyers provide several tips to help you stay safe and focused while driving.
If you believe you were injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, contact us to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We will review your claim to help you determine if you have a case against the at-fault driver.
Do Not Drive While Tired
Driving while tired or fatigued can significantly impair your reaction time and awareness of your surroundings. The effect is similar to driving while intoxicated and may increase your risk of being in an auto accident.
To avoid drowsy driving, try to get the recommended eight hours of sleep each night. If you being to feel tired while driving, consider pulling over to a safe location to rest. Likewise, consider traveling with a passenger who is able to drive when you begin to feel tired.
Adjust Your Vehicle’s Features Before Driving
Although your vehicle may have several adjustable features and applications, do not use them while driving. Adjusting your vehicle’s features diverts your attention away from driving and reduces your awareness of the roadway.
Before you begin your commute, remember to adjust the following features to minimize distractions:
Seat and mirror positions
Select a radio station
Connect and set any audio or Bluetooth devices
Program your GPS with your destination
Set heating and cooling preferences
Do Not Try to Multitask
Your attention should be fully focused on the roadway while driving. Do not try to multitask while operating a vehicle, such as reaching for an object or using your cellphone.
Multitasking while driving takes your concentration away from controlling your vehicle and reduces your awareness of potential hazards on the roadway. This may put you and others at risk of being injured in an auto accident.
Avoid Conversations with Your Passengers
Traveling with passengers can be distracting, as holding a conversation can take your attention away from driving. Avoid getting into a deep conversations that can cause you to become unfocused.
To eliminate the risk of distractions, try to limit the number of passengers you choose to travel with. Likewise, try to minimize the interactions you have with your passengers.
Do Not Eat While Driving
Another common distraction is eating or drinking while driving. This requires you to take your hands off of your steering wheel and divert your attention away from the roadway. By doing this, you lose focus on your surroundings and affect your ability to safely drive your vehicle.
Try not to bring food or drinks inside your vehicle if you know you will be driving. However, if you choose to eat inside your vehicle, be sure to finish your meal before you begin driving.
Do Not Reach for Lost Objects
Reaching for a fallen or lost object in your car pulls your eyes from the road while taking your hands off the vehicle’s steering wheel. When searching for a lost object in your car, you are not focusing on driving nor are you able to safely control your vehicle.
Never reach around your vehicle to pick up lost items while driving. Leave the item until you are stopped. If you must have the item, pull off the road to a safe location and park your vehicle before looking for it.
Contact Simien & Simien for a Free Consultation
If you were injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Simien & Simien’s personal injury lawyers in Baton Rouge understand the difficulties that result from being injured in a car accident. We will review your claim during a free consultation to help you determine if you have legal options to recover compensation. All of our services are provided on a contingency fee basis and we do not charge upfront legal fees. You only have to pay us if we help you obtain compensation for your claim.
