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Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons accidents occur. With technology, people find themselves looking at GPS devices and phones, rather than the road. This is despite laws being created to make many devices illegal to use while on the road. Here are the most common distractions that keep you from driving safely.
Using a Cell Phone
Not all states have banned cell phone use while driving. Florida still allows it, for example, but that does not make it any safer than if it was illegal. When you take your eyes off the road, you increase your reaction time. You also take hands off the wheel, meaning you cannot control the car as well as you should when you do need to react.
Cell phone use one of the most common reason for distracted driving. One study noted that 30% of drivers would talk on their phone during a three-hour trip. This doesn't include answering calls, texting, and using the internet.
Eating or Drinking
You're stuck in traffic and your lunch is just there. Just how tempting is it to reach for it? Eating and drinking are extremely common reasons for drivers being distracted. Reaching for the items will take eyes off the road, one hand is continuously off the wheel, and then there is the problem of spilling items down you. If you spill the hot coffee you are drinking with breakfast, for example, you are going to have trouble continuing to focus on the road. In fact, you are probably going to jerk because of the temperature of the coffee and take your hands off the wheel without even thinking about it.
You lose your ability to control your car and react to situations. Whether you're moving very slowly in traffic or on a long stretch of abandoned highway, you are at risk of an accident.
Changing the Radio Station
That same study that showed the percentage of people using the cell phone made it clear that using in-car controls, like radio buttons and in-car GPS systems, were the most common reason for distracted driving. More than 90% of drivers were guilty of doing something with the in-car audio controls.
This could be as simple as turning the volume up from controls on the steering wheel or changing the radio station on the actual radio. Either way, you're taking your eyes off the road and increasing your reaction time.
Other Passengers and Babies
Obviously, you can't get away from away from some distractions. For example, you can't really leave your kids at home by themselves. Talking to other passengers or having children in the car lead to distractions on the road. You can be so engrossed in conversation that you miss an exit or fail to brake in time. You may turn you head around to try to calm a baby that you miss a stop sign. If you cause an accident because of this distracted driving, you will be at fault, even if you couldn't avoid the distraction happening. Keep in mind, having other people in the car for conversation can be a great way to keep you awake enough to avoid driving fatigue. Just make sure you do not become so engrossed in the passengers of your vehicle that you forget you are driving.
Knowing more about distracted driving will help to protect you in the event of an accident. Check up on the laws in your state and know your rights if you are a victim or at fault of distracted driving. Click here to read more about what to do if you are in a car accident and need an attorney.
Share2 August 2016