New Year, New Resolutions: Don’t Drive Distracted
As we all know, the new year is the time to start making your resolutions for the coming 12 months. When it comes to our driving, there may be many bad habits that we need to change. Distracted driving is something that many of us are guilty of and if it continues, it could lead to severe accidents and fatalities. Although distracted driving can be a difficult habit to break, there are a few tips you can try to stop your distracted driving this new year.
Learn how you can stop your distracted driving from your Edinburg car accident attorneys.
Distracted Driving Statistics
Distracted driving is a major contributor to roadway danger in Texas, and in the United States as a whole. Below, you can find a few key statistics that reflect the danger posed by distracted driving:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people died from distracted driving in 2019.
In 2018, a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), showed that 25% of fatal distracted driving crashes were caused by people ages 20 to 29.
Drivers who were ages 15 to 19 were more likely to drive distracted than drivers over the age of 20.
In Texas alone, there were 394 deaths and 2,340 injuries in 2018 due to distracted driving.
The Different Types of Distracted Driving
Most people believe that distracted driving involves taking your eyes off the road and putting your focus on something else. While this is definitely a common form of driver distraction, there are actually three different types of distracted driving, which are:
Visual— When you take your eyes off the road
Manual— When you take your hands off the wheel
Cognitive— When you take your mind off driving
Each of these types can interfere with the way you drive. Your sole focus is no longer on the road which can make it difficult for you to react in emergency situations. If you take your eyes, hands, or mind off your driving at all, you are driving while distracted. Once you become aware of your distracted driving habits, it’s time to make a change in the new year.
How To Stop Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted is dangerous, and breaking this habit is unarguably in your best interest. If you find that you’re often distracted while driving, make an effort to change that behavior. Although it may take time and repetition, there are a few tips you can follow to stop your distracted driving.
1. Only Use Your Phone For Emergency Situations
Your cell phone can be a significant factor in distraction while driving. When you get behind the wheel, try to put your cell phone out of reach. Even if you have a hands-free device on your phone, talking while driving can also be a distraction. In both cases, your focus is not entirely on the road. If an emergency situation arises, and you need to make a call, pull over somewhere safe before using your phone.
2. Avoid Driving While Drowsy
Drowsiness can greatly inhibit your driving abilities because when you’re not fully awake then you can’t be fully alert behind the wheel. If you’re feeling the slightest bit drowsy while driving, it’s best to pull over and find a place to sleep instead of pushing through. Before a drive, if you can, get a good night’s rest to prepare for your time on the road. If you’re still feeling drowsy, make other ride arrangements.
3. Limit the Amount of Passengers in Your Car
Having a carload full of people can be incredibly distracting for drivers. It can be difficult to control when you may need to give a group of some number of people a ride, especially for parents. However, if you can, limiting the number of passengers in your vehicle can help you cut out distractions. Otherwise, make sure that your passengers respect the fact that you need to be able to focus on driving.
4. Save Your Multi-Tasking for Outside Your Vehicle
If you spend a lot of time in your car, chances are you’re very busy. It can be tempting to multi-task and get other things done while you’re driving. Fight the urge to text, eat, drink, or apply makeup while behind the wheel. Manage your time wisely and save your multi-tasking for outside your vehicle.
Don’t Drive Distracted This New Year With the Law Office of Bobby Garcia
With the new year comes new resolutions. Because distracted driving is so common and causes so many injuries and fatalities, the new year is the perfect time to kick that bad habit. Driving requires a person to be focused and alert on the road. If you
‘ve developed a habit of driving while distracted, it may be time to try out these tips to cut that habit.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to distracted driving, you may be eligible for financial relief. Our dedicated car accident attorneys can help you handle your claim and get you any justice and compensation you deserve.