Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This is a good time of the year to take the steps needed to make sure that you are not at risk of causing a car accident in Homestead or your community because.
What can you do this month to make driving safer for you and your family?
1) Pledge not to drive distracted.
Sign pledges with your children, friends, and spouse not to drive while texting, talking on the phone, or driving distracted in any way. Support each other to make safer decisions behind the wheel.
2) Think about what it means to be distracted.
Many people think that distracted driving simply means driving while using a cell phone. While texting or talking on the phone are common causes of car accidents in Homestead and other Florida communities, distracted driving is a much bigger problem. It can occur anytime that you take your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off of the task of driving. Eating while driving, talking to passengers, changing the music in your car, or even daydreaming all are forms of distraction that could lead to a collision.
3) Talk to your friends, family, and children about the dangers of distracted driving.
Start discussions about the dangers of distracted driving and come up with strategies that you can use to fight the problem. Consider volunteering your time at an advocacy group or donate to a group that raises awareness or lobbies for legislative changes.
4) Set up your car so that you can drive distraction-free.
Sometimes, your car can be a source of distraction. For example, glaring lights on your dashboard or entertainment media on your display can keep you from focusing fully on the road. When you hop in your car, turn off all mobile devices and place them in your glove compartment where you will not be tempted to use them. Set up your car so that mirrors, lights, and everything else is easy to access and does not distract you from the task of driving.
5) Don’t drive if you’re not emotionally fit to do so.
Sometimes, we are simply not in the right state to drive. If you are fatigued, distracted, stressed, or angry, you may be too focused on whatever else is going on in your life to drive safely. If it this is the case, take an alternative way home or wait until you calm down before getting behind the wheel.
6) Drive defensively.
One of the most dangerous causes of distraction is daydreaming. It is especially dangerous because most of us don’t realize that our minds are no longer on driving. One way to overcome this is to always drive defensively and to think two or three moves ahead as you drive. This forces you to focus on what you’re doing and on your next steps.
If you have been hit by a distracted driver, keep in mind that there are legal options available to you. If you would like to speak to a Florida or Hollywood car accident attorney to find out more, contact Flaxman Law Group. Our South Florida law firm would be pleased to offer a free accident consultation to help you understand your options.