Distracted driving results in about 3,000 deaths each year in the United States, and sadly, that means 3,000 avoidable deaths. It only takes about 4.6 seconds to travel the length of a football field at highway speed, and that is the average time it takes to send or read a text. You wouldn’t just close your eyes while driving down the highway and feel safe about it, but effectively that is what you are doing when you take your eyes off the road with any distraction. As your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer, we know the importance of staying focused when you are behind the wheel. In this week’s blog, Gibbons Law Firm will talk about some of the most common causes of distracted driving and what you can do to avoid them. If you are interested in keeping you and your loved ones safer by being aware of distractions while driving, keep reading this blog!
1) What Causes It
Just about anything can be a distraction if we allow it to take our attention away from the road. But there are some really common ones that cause most distracted driving accidents at the Lake of the Ozarks, and some of them you might not really think about. They include mental distractions, visual distractions, and manual distractions.
Mental distractions are things that take your mind off the road like talking to passengers on the phone, thinking or daydreaming, being angry or upset, focusing on kids or pets in the car, and of course, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Visual Distractions involve things that take your eyes off the road such as adjusting the radio or cabin temperature, looking at your GPS, reaching for items in the car, looking at yourself in the mirror, sightseeing, or looking at a traffic accident.
Manual distractions are things that take your hands off the wheel such as eating, grooming, reacting to spilling something, smoking, looking in your wallet or purse, and again, using your cell phone or GPS.
2) Consequences
While distracted driving may not always involve something that is technically illegal, there can still be some very serious legal consequences for doing it. If you injure someone because you are negligent behind the wheel you may face a wide range of penalties including the risk of being sued. Even worse, if it causes a fatal accident you will have to deal with knowing that you have taken someone else’s life and everything that comes with that. On the other hand, if you are the victim of someone else’s distracted driving, it is important for you to know your rights by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks.
3) How to Avoid It
Distracted driving is avoidable. Just setting some ground rules and developing
good habits can help you avoid many of these hazards. First, plan ahead. Before you even put your car in gear enter the
address in your GPS. Take care of any
texts or phone calls ahead of time and consider using an app that disables your
phone from making or receiving calls or texts while you are driving. Once you
start down the road, be mindful and stay focused. Don’t spend your windshield time trying to
solve problems or thinking about work or the kids. Avoid getting behind the wheel
when you are emotionally upset or angry, and never drive when you are
tired. People that wouldn't think about drinking and
driving may drive while tired not realizing it can be as dangerous as driving
under the influence. Overall, the more
defensively you drive, the safer it is for you and everyone else on the road
with you. You will be less likely to be
distracted, and more able to react if someone else is not paying attention.
Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks encourages everyone to stay focused and keep their eyes on the road. Distracted driving is not worth risking, and with
just a firm mindset and good habits, it is completely avoidable. If you find yourself in an accident due to a
distracted driver, Gibbons Law Firm can help guide you through the legal
process and present your case. For a free
consultation regarding your personal injury case in mid-Missouri, schedule an
appointment with us today! For more
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Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.
