Distracted driving is a growing problem that many motorists turn a blind eye to until they or someone they love is involved in a motor vehicle collision where it is a contributing factor. Even with new laws, traffic rules and increased public awareness, many drivers still may not realize the sheer devastation car accidents involving distracted motorists cause to accident victims, their loved ones and in some cases the negligent motorists who cause them.
Potentially deadly distractions include the following:
- Reading and sending text messages
- Talking on cellphones
- Consuming foods and beverages
- Fiddling with GPS navigation systems
- Reaching for items inside of the cabin
These activities involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel, looking at items inside the vehicle instead of the road ahead and thinking about things other than driving. Distractions are preventable, but many people find them too tempting to ignore, so much so that they are willing to break the law to succumb to them.
Distracted driving prevention starts with priorities
It is important for drivers to establish the right driving priorities; the first should involve personal safety. Drivers’ ability to safeguard themselves against other distracted motorists starts with avoiding distractions personally. When people are driving, they should focus their attention on what they must do to remain safe:
- Staying alert
- Using defensive driving techniques
- Following all traffic rules and signs
- Limiting the distractions to before and after the trip
Motorists who find themselves tempted to pull out their cellphone while waiting at a traffic light or cruising through a parking lot should keep in mind that all it takes is one small, seemingly insignificant distraction to trigger a car crash that causes serious or fatal injuries. The devastating outcomes that distracted driving motor vehicle collisions bring are never worth it.
