We all know that distracted driving can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. The difference is, a lot more people justify driving while distracted and do it even though they know it’s dangerous. At Gibbons Law Firm we know that it only takes a fraction of a second to cause a devastating accident. Being injured in a serious car accident at Lake of the Ozarks can be life-changing, so if there’s anything we can do to avoid it, it is well worth the effort. Our personal injury attorneys in mid-Missouri are fully aware of this, so we wanted to take some time today to talk to you about distractions to avoid while driving. Keep reading to learn how to keep yourself and others on the road safe and focused with these common-sense tips.
1) Get Set BEFORE You Go
Even if you’re in a hurry, it really doesn’t save any time to try to do things while you’re driving. Get your GPS set, adjust things like your mirrors or heater/AC and radio, put on your seatbelt, and have everything in place and ready for your drive before you start the car.
2) Secure Items
Make sure that the items you are carrying in the passenger area of your car are secure and won’t roll around as you turn curves or if you have to stop suddenly. Reaching for an item that is falling while you’re driving can be extremely dangerous. But it is almost instinctive. It is best to make sure things are secure before you get on the road.
3) Eat In
Trying to eat, especially messy foods, while driving can become a huge distraction. For example, spilling food or a drink in your lap or floorboard may cause you to serve as you react. You may feel you track just fine driving with your knee, but if you had to make an evasive maneuver you will be at an obvious and dangerous disadvantage. For these reasons and more, if you are hungry, skip the drive-through and eat in.
4) Technology
Technology can be great and actually make life safer, but it can also be a distraction. Avoid using your cell phone, even hands-free, while driving down the road. Now is definitely not the time to check your messages, check in on social media, or watch a video, etc.
5) Keep Your Eyes On the Road
That includes watching the sides of the roads, all traffic in intersections, and basically being aware of all your surroundings and potential dangers. You have heard of active listening, think active looking! The more you pay attention the earlier you are likely to see a hazard and the more time you will have to react and avoid it.
6) Avoid Multitasking
If you find yourself saying “I’ll do that on the way there”, you are probably setting yourself up for distraction. Taking notes, making phone calls, doing personal hygiene, are all in competition with your driving. Your mind and your motor skills should be dedicated to operating your vehicle, and nothing else.
7) Don’t Drive While Drowsy
Falling asleep at the wheel can be deadly, for you and others. It is so easy to underestimate, but by the time you notice you are nodding while driving down the road, you’ve probably been doing it much more than you realize. That means you’re extremely close to falling asleep while driving and need to rest and refresh before driving further.
Safety First!
We know this is common knowledge and common sense, but so many people forget or ignore the dangers. If anything is so important that you have to take care of it while you’re driving, just pull over. Give your full attention to that task, and then get back to driving. It is not worth causing an accident. As personal injury attorneys in central Missouri, we see how devastating serious injuries can be for our clients. If we could go back and keep them from being injured in the first place, we sure would.
We hope you appreciate these tips and that they help keep these things top of mind as you make your daily drives. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we don’t want you to feel alone. It is so important that you know your rights, and that is why we offer free initial consultations. If you have questions, reach out to us. We are here for you. If you would like to stay informed with all the latest news and tips from Gibbons Law Firm, be sure to follow us on social media using the links below.
Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.
