As we pointed out in one of our other recent posts, distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Every day people are injured or killed in car accidents that were caused by a distracted driver.
In today’s post, we want to give you 3 ways you can prevent adding to those statistics.
- Talk to Your Teens
According to statistics, almost 60% of all car crashes involving teenage drivers involved some form of driver inattention. Bear in mind that because most drivers who are involved in a car crash will not admit to the police that they were using their cell phones at the time, these numbers may actually be low.
Since distracted driving crashes are such a risk for teenage drivers, it is important for parents to discuss with their kids just how dangerous distracted driving can be. Texting, trying to find the right playlist, and talking on the phone all are dangerous activities while driving.
While hands-free devices may keep you from having to hold your phone, they still enable the driver to take her mind off the road. Even just reaching for your phone can take your mind off driving for up to 27 seconds.
- Program Your GPS Before You Leave
Another major distraction for many drivers is the navigation system and trying to use it while driving. If you need directions, try programing your GPS before you leave.
If while driving you find you need directions, do the safe thing: pull over and then program your GPS.
- Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode
“Back in the day” before the invention of cell phones, drivers actually drove from point “A” to point “B” without talking on or looking at, a phone the entire time. (Not to mention that bathrooms did not have phones in them either.)
It is still possible today. You can drive without looking at or using your phone.
So, do the right thing.
If you are driving, turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode. When you get to your destination, you’ll be able to check your phone. More importantly, with your phone turned off or in airplane mode, you are more likely to actually get to your destination.
Distracted driving is something that each of us needs to be aware of and needs to do our best to prevent.
Handling Car Crash Cases in Louisiana
If you or someone you know is in a car accident, call us. We are personal injury and car accident attorneys who fight hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve. We offer FREE consultations and we don’t get paid unless you win. We have offices in Baton Rouge, and we serve Baker, Denham, Gonzales, Port Allen, Prairieville, New Orleans, and Zachary. Call (225) 465-1232 ToDay to schedule your free consultation or contact us here.