5 Most Common Reasons for Distracted Driving

Forbes puts forward alarming statistics. It says that 8-9% of car accidents happen due to distracted driving, and it accounts for more than 3000 fatalities each year. 

The situation is so alarming that The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles teamed up with law enforcement partners and other agencies to educate citizens on the importance of focus while driving. The campaign was known as: “Put It Down: Focus on Driving.” Section 316.305 of the Florida Statutes that took effect on July 1, 2019, makes it mandatory for drivers to concentrate when they drive. Even then, accidents do happen. Not due to incompetence, but distracted driving. 

If you happen to be in Florida, and were involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should contact a Tampa car accident lawyer to help protect your rights and get the maximum possible compensation.

In this blog, we will talk about some of the common reasons drivers get distracted on the road, leading to fatal consequences.

Drinking or Eating While Driving

Some road trips are long, and you may want to eat or drink after some time. However, tilting your head to pick up bottled water and removing one of your hands from the steering wheel to remove the bottle cap can lead to a fatal accident.

Therefore, avoid drinking or eating while driving. If you have to drink water, ask one of the passengers to open the cap and pass the bottle to you. If you are alone and need a quick bite, park the car on the side of the road and enjoy your snack.

Distraction from Kids or Pets

When traveling with kids, you are bound to experience some distractions. Whether it’s a shouting match, crying, questions about why the trees are moving, and so on.

The same goes for other passengers and pets. When you are behind the wheel, passengers seem to underestimate your task. They want to engage you in conversations and even physical interactions.

If you are driving with passengers, make plans in advance to keep them busy while you are driving. For example, you can stock the back seat with toys, tablets, and storybooks to keep your kids occupied during a long drive.

Adjusting the Climate Control, GPS, or Radio

There is always the temptation to keep fidgeting with the entertainment unit or GPS controls at the front of the vehicle. Sometimes, you may be looking for the perfect playlist for your long drive, or perhaps you want to catch your favorite radio program while on the road. Other times, you may be fumbling to get the right air conditioner temperature.

All these conveniences in the vehicle can be sources of distractions when driving. Therefore, decide on your playlist before beginning your journey. If you have to adjust the radio, climate control, or GPS, park your car on the side of the road before taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Texting or Talking on the Phone

Effective driving highly depends on hand-eye coordination. Therefore, always make sure that your hands are on the steering wheel and your eyes are on the road. Avoid holding your phone when driving. If you have to answer the phone, use Bluetooth earphones. For texting, consider voice-to-text apps that allow you to send messages to other people hands-free.

Rubbernecking When You Spot Something on the Road

When driving, avoid gawking out the side window of the car. This can distract you and lead to a collision. Many things will take your attention when you are behind the wheel. It could be a new eye-catching billboard or even an incident on the road. Remember, it takes just a few seconds of distractions for a fatal accident to occur.

When driving, keep your eyes on the road, your ears open, and your hands on the steering wheel. Any sort of distraction is a potential cause for an unwanted outcome. Therefore, try to minimize distractions as much as possible for your safety and that of other road users.

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