Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Florid and across the United States. But what exactly is distracted driving and how can you avoid it? Here are some things you might not know about distracted driving accidents.
- Distracted driving isn’t just texting. While texting and driving is a common and dangerous form of distraction, it is not the only one. Anything that takes your attention away from the road can be considered a distraction, such as eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, or using a GPS device. Even daydreaming or being lost in thought can be a form of distraction that can impair your driving ability.
- Distraction-free is still distracting. Tech companies have developed all kinds of technologies to help reduce distracted driving. Hands-free devices, for example, or the ability to make calls using voice commands, for example, allow motorists to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. However, these devices are still distracting because they still remove attention from driving.
- Not doing anything can be distracting. Thanks to education campaigns about the dangers of texting and driving, many people associate distracted driving with cell phone use. In fact, a very common cause of distracted driving includes daydreaming or just “zoning out.” If you stop paying attention to the road because your mind is drifting or you’re thinking about something else, you can easily cause a crash.
- Technology can be contributing to the problem. Today’s cars have screens and dashboards with a lot of information, which can easily become distracting to drivers. As technology has become ubiquitous, most drivers also overestimate how much they can do while using technology. Many people think they can adjust the settings on their dash and drive, while studies show this is not the case.
- Distracted driving can affect anyone. You might think that only young or inexperienced drivers are prone to distraction, but that is not true. There is no age limit on distracted driving and everyone needs to take the risk seriously.
- Distracted driving often has other factors as risks. Being tired, unwell, or emotionally upset can make it harder to focus on driving and can make distraction more likely.
What We Can Do About Distracted Driving in Florida
The good news is that distracted driving is preventable with just a few tips:
- Turn off your phone and put it in a place where you cannot see or hear it.
- Set your destination and adjust anything in the car you need to before you start driving.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or any other activity while driving.
- Avoid engaging in conversations, whether it’s with passengers or with someone on a hands-free device.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a distracted driving accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact us at Flaxman Law Group today for a free accident consultation to find out whether you may have a claim. Our team has more than 60 years of combined experience and offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood to serve you.