Causes of Distracted Driving and Tips to Avoid it

Distracted drivers are not only a threat to themselves but to everyone else. This is why April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, to help raise understanding about the dangers of distracted driving. It even focuses on ways to change the negative behavior of drivers through public awareness and education. As a result, the month of April has become a nationwide effort to help eliminate preventable car accidents and truck accidents that lead to deaths and injuries on the road. 

The car accident lawyers at Metier Law Firm are looking to participate in bringing awareness to the unfortunate and ongoing issue of distracted driving. Read on to be educated on what distracted driving is and what causes it, as well as some tips to avoid car accidents from happening.

What is Distracted Driving?

Simply put, distracted driving is considered to be anything that causes you to remove your eyes from the road. Not only does it put you in danger, it puts everyone around you at risk and also increases the chances of a car accident.
 
Generally speaking, there are four common factors that can contribute to distracted driving, which can then lead to a potentially fatal car or truck accidents:

• Manual distractions: Occur when you take your hands off of the steering wheel. 
• Visual distractions: Occurs if you take your eyes off the road ahead to look at something else. 
• Cognitive distractions: Involve removing your focus away from driving. 
• Auditory distractions: Happen when you listen to something else besides the traffic noise. 

Some Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Accidents tend to happen due to drivers trying to multitask. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are injured or die in fatal crashes due to distracted drivers. With many root causes leading to these on-road distractions.

This is why it’s crucial to be aware of how dangerous this behavior can be. What causes these distractions to occur? In order to know, we have to understand how drivers become distracted.

• Texting and talking while driving: Unless it’s an emergency, texting while driving can turn into a traffic offense in most states, including Colorado. This is because drivers who use their phones on the road are by far the most common reason for distracted driving accidents. Whether it’s a text message or a phone call, both should wait to be answered until you’re at home in order to avoid a potential car or truck crash from happening on the road.  
• Navigation system: Many drivers rely on GPS to get them from point A to point B. So much so that not using GPS doesn’t seem like an option anymore! If you decide to use GPS, a few things should be considered:

1. Make sure the GPS is positioned where you can clearly see it.
2. Put in the directions to your destination before getting on the road.
3. Turn up the volume so you can listen versus look at the screen

• Grooming: Time likes to move fast when least expected, so you don’t always look your best before getting into the car. Many drivers take this situation as an opportunity to apply finishing touches. This type of activity should wait until parked, because it can lead to a car accident if you attempt to do it while driving.   
• Talking to other passengers: It’s only natural to want to have a conversation with someone riding with you. Most people find it awkward or rude if you don’t. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that paying attention to the road comes first. This may seem off-putting to some, but it will help keep you and your passengers safe from a potential car or truck accident. 
• Daydreaming: Have you ever found yourself in a daze while driving? It’s actually pretty common. Making sure you’re well-rested and alert while on the road is key to a safe riding experience.   

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

There are many people guilty of some form of distracted driving. While some of these tasks may seem like second-nature, avoiding all distractions while driving significantly decreases the chances of a car accident occurring. Since it’s common, here are three tips to help keep yourself and others safe while driving.

1. Use your cell phone for emergencies only: Anytime you’re driving, a cell phone should only be used for emergency situations. If an emergency does occur, you should attempt to pull over safely on the right shoulder to answer or make a call. Although there are hands-free devices, they can still cause distractions and should be used with serious caution.
2. Avoid eating or drinking while driving: Just because you’re busy does not mean you can excuse distracted driving. Eating breakfast on the way to school or work may seem like the ultimate solution to many drivers. However, it means you’re less attentive to the other drivers around you. Giving yourself enough time to prepare and eat before getting into the car prevents potential distractions from occurring.
3. Do your work multi-tasking outside the vehicle: Since many people spend a lot of time in their vehicles, it may seem like the right time to do things like search for good music or call an old friend—don’t do it. Your main focus should always be on the road and the drivers around you. Therefore, you should make sure everything is situated before you start driving.

What should I look for in a car accident lawyer?

Since distracted driving is so common, it’s understandable why many people are coming together to bring national attention to this ongoing problem. Limiting distractions in the car can go as far as to save you, your passengers, and other patrons of the road’s lives! If you’re involved in a car accident or truck accident due to distracted driving, the right representation can make all the difference. 
This is why the team at Metier Law Firm wants to be your distracted driving lawyer if this ever happens. With offices in Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming; Metier Law Firm has the resources to help if you have been injured in a car accident or truck accident in any of these states. We have secured millions of dollars for our clients who have experienced car accidents or truck accidents, with a dedicated commitment to success. Give us a call, or stop by one of our many offices if you are in need of any form of legal assistance. Our staff is ready to help you!