April is distracted driving awareness month and the Morgan Law Group is writing this blog post to help alert drivers to the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving has become an epidemic resulting in thousands of accidents every year. Driving while distracted can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
Statistics on Driver Cell Phone Use:
According to research from Liberty Mutual Insurance and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute:
- 95% of drivers said texting while driving was an unsafe practice, yet 21% of drivers admit to doing it anyway.
- Texting while driving increases the risk of an accident by 23 times.
- Drivers who are texting have a slower response time than intoxicated drivers.
- Teens who are texting while driving engages in erratic behavior such as speeding or weaving between lanes.
Tips For Avoiding Distractions:
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) published a list of 10 tips for drivers to avoid the practice of distracted driving. They are:
- Turn it Off: Turn off your phone or switch to silent mode before you get in the car.
- Spread the Word: Set up a message to let callers know that you are driving and you will get back to them as soon as possible.
- Use Your Passengers: Ask a passenger to make a call for you.
- Pull Over: If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.
- X the Text: Never text and drive, surf the web or read your email while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states.
- Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car. Some states and localities prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.
- Prepare: Review maps and directions before you start driving.
- Secure Your Pets: Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.
- Keep the Kids Safe: Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.
- Focus on the Task at Hand: Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading or any activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.
Distractions affect drivers in many ways. Reaction time is slowed to the same reaction time as a legally drunk driver. For the safety of everyone on the road, please hold off on the distractions until you come to a complete stop or pull over to the side of the road. Personal Injury Attorney in Sarasota and Bradenton: If you have sustained injuries in Sarasota or Bradenton due to a distracted driver, please contact the Michael L. Morgan Law Group, P.A., at (941) 928-5959. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost to you unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Please call us to schedule a free consultation.