Most distractions behind the wheel are avoidable, while others are hard to predict or prevent. As a driver, it is your responsibility to remain active and engaged with the task ahead – not your phone, the radio or passengers in your car. If you want to eliminate the risk of becoming a distracted driver, then you need to know the common distractions and more importantly, how to avoid them.
10 Tips for Avoiding Distractions While Driving
There are a few things you can do to ensure you aren’t distracted while driving, including:
- Focus on driving and make that your top priority. Do not let anything take your attention from the roads and always actively scan the road ahead, check your mirrors and be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Keep loose gear and other possessions somewhere so that they cannot roll around during turns or sudden stops. If something does, do not feel tempted to reach for it while driving. Instead, wait until you come to a stop.
- Make all of your adjustments before you leave – that includes setting your navigation, checking the mirrors, adjusting seats and even setting the radio station. The less you have to “setup” while driving, the more focused you will be on the road.
- Leave dressing and grooming for at home and never attempt to brush your hair, shave or apply makeup while driving.
- If you need to eat, eat before you leave your house or after you have arrived at your destination. If you must eat while on the road, avoid messy or unmanageable snacks and stick to something you can quickly eat.
- Secure your children in their seats before driving. If your child needs your immediate attention, pullover and attend to them, but do not reach or attempt to help them while you are driving.
- Do not let electronics distract you. This means putting your cellphone away while driving and never using the hands-free option – unless it is an absolute emergency. You should also not check email, read text messages or even use the internet (including those built into your vehicle) while you are driving.
- If you have passengers, see if they can help you stay focused on the road and let them know you cannot engage in deep conversation while driving.
- If something demands your attention, try to pull over, stop the vehicle and then do what you need to do. Avoid the temptation of becoming distracted as much as you can.
- If you cannot devote your full attention to the road, you should pull over. Any time you are required to take your full attention off the road, you are being a distracted driver.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain, LLC Attorneys at Law today. We offer free consultations, so call us at 844-943-7626 or contact us online with your legal questions.
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