In the car, a distraction can be deadly. Even if you just look away from the road for a few seconds, it can be enough to cause a horrific crash. It’s important to avoid these distractions at all times.
But how do you do it? You want to be a safe driver, so what can you do to increase your own safety and that of those around you?
Get everything ready before you drive
Turn on the radio and pick a station. Adjust your mirrors and your seat. Set the climate controls. Program the GPS. Do all of this before the car is in motion so that you don’t have to do it while you drive.
Put your phone where you can’t reach it
The phone is the biggest driving distraction. Putting it in your pocket is not enough. Instead, put it on silent and store it in the glove box or somewhere else where you physically can’t get it until you stop the car. You never want to use your phone, even for making calls.
Don’t reach for anything while driving
It feels like it will only take a second to pick something up, so people are often tempted to reach without stopping. Parents will pick up toys that children dropped. Pet owners may pick up their pets. Adults who have dropped a phone or some other item on the floor may reach down to grab it. All of this is dangerous, even if it really does take just a second.
Are you still safe?
If you use these tips, you can keep yourself from causing a distracted driving accident. You could still be injured by another driver, though, so you need to know what legal options you have to obtain the compensation you deserve.