Whether you’re talking on the phone, sending a last-minute text or eating a meal behind the wheel, it’s all considered distracted driving, a dangerous behavior that is considered the leading cause of auto accidents nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Distracted driving can involve a variety of actions that, as the driver, can take your eyes off the road and divert attention away from your sole task – operating your vehicle safely. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) found that a crash occurs every 44 seconds in the Sunshine State, and one in seven collisions involves distracted drivers.
That said, distracted driving is absolutely preventable. And in April, during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we’re offering several tips you and your family can use to navigate our busy roads responsibly and steer clear of being involved in an accident.
Teach Your Teen Good Driving Habits
Parents, you play a major role in shaping the habits of Florida’s newest drivers. Your guidance can help them develop the skills and awareness needed to stay safe in a number of sudden situations that can happen – and it’s important that you lead by example. A study published by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that, in 2021 alone, the largest group of drivers who were distracted at the time of fatal crashes ranged from ages 15 to 20.
Here are a few responsible habits you can instill in your teen who’s ready to hit the road:
- Set limits on how many passengers can be in the car at once
- Set up the playlist or GPS before leaving the parking lot or driveway
- Avoid daydreaming – it can be just as dangerous as texting and driving
- Wait until you’re parked to look in the mirror to fix your hair or put on makeup
Put the Cell Phone Away
Believe it or not, 49 states have banned texting and driving – including Florida, which enacted the Wireless Communications While Driving Law that allows law enforcement to stop vehicles just for using a device while on the go. Despite the regulations that are in place, more than 660,000 drivers nationwide are using their phones while driving at any given time.
Turn off electronic devices, place them in the storage space within your center console or set up your phone’s GPS, if it’s needed, before heading to your destination. Your eyes should always be on the road – not on a screen. Passengers, speak up if your driver is texting or scrolling on social media.
Keep Outside Distractions in Your Rear View
It’s not just about avoiding distractions inside the vehicle. Rubbernecking – slowing down your vehicle to look at an accident, person or anything on the side of the road – is a common cause of accidents because your eyes are no longer scanning for what’s ahead. Often, rubbernecking drivers fail to maintain safe distances from other vehicles and have slower reaction times to situations that can happen in an instant. As the driver, it’s your job to not only keep your head on a swivel but be aware of what’s in front of you.
Never Reach for Loose Objects
Loose objects, like water bottles rolling on the floor or a cell phone left on the back seat, can pose a significant risk of causing an accident if you decide to reach for them at any point while on the road. Not only are you taking your eyes off what’s in front of you, but also your hands off the wheel – what’s known as a “manual distraction.” Resist the urge to reach for anything until you’ve safely pulled over and parked your car.
If You’re Injured in an Accident, Have an Attorney
If you believe that you were injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligent actions, call 9-1-1, seek medical attention and contact a local law firm with a proven track record of fighting for fair compensation. At Gallagher & Hagopian, we believe in going the extra mile for accident victims, and we’ll meet with you wherever you’re located in Sarasota and Manatee counties.