Distracted Driving: Tips for Preventing Car Accidents

Driving is part of daily life for almost everyone, so much so that it becomes second nature. However, many people simply take driving for granted, and this often results in an accident. Driving can be perilous if you are distracted and not watching what is going on around you.

If you are distracted by external factors, it can be difficult to fully pay attention to driving. Before you take off for a drive, there are some things you can do to prevent an accident caused by distraction.

Make Sure There Are No Loose Items Floating About

Before you begin your drive, check inside your vehicle for any loose items that need to be secured. You do not want to drive down a busy roadway with a rolling soda bottle or a noisy toy distracting you in the background. As you know, if there is something rolling around and making noise, chances are you will be tempted to grab it as you are driving.

Trying to deal with loose items in the car while you are driving can have disastrous results. You can get into an accident and injure yourself and someone else.

Instead, take the time to check around in the car and put away anything that could possibly distract you. Place things in the glove compartment, in the trunk, or even the cup holder. If you have bags of groceries or other goods, be sure that they are safely placed in the vehicle so that the bags do not tip over.

Get Yourself Ready Before You Drive

One thing that so many people do is get themselves ready while they are driving. How many times have you looked over into another vehicle to see someone grooming? People hope to save time by putting on makeup, shaving, or doing their hair while they are driving the car.

This is so dangerous, as you are not fully focused on the roadway. While driving and getting ready may be second nature to you, it only takes a second of not looking at the road for you to get into an accident.

If you must get ready while you are driving, at least wait until you are completely stopped at a light or when you are stuck in non-moving traffic. Ideally, though, you should take a few extra minutes in the morning to finish getting ready before you enter the vehicle.

Check Your Visibility

Before you leave the driveway, be sure you can fully see from all points in the driver's seat. You will need to fully adjust and set your mirrors before you set off on your ride. This is especially necessary if you share a car with another person in your household.

Make sure you can see from your side mirrors and rearview mirrors. Some newer vehicles have an automatic function that allows you to set your mirrors perfectly for each driver of the vehicle. You simply need to press one button and you have mirrors that will set the mirrors for you without you needing to change them while you are driving.

Keep Conversations Light

One thing that can really affect your ability to concentrate on driving is difficult or emotionally charged conversation. If you are riding with someone and a controversial topic comes up, try to stave off that talk until you are out of the vehicle.

There is no need to get into a heated or upsetting discussion while you are driving. Doing so can result in a lack of attention to the road and can land you in an accident. It is best to keep conversation light and airy while you are driving, saving the more serious discussions for later.

Put Your Phone Away

Are you guilty of answering calls or even texting while you drive? While you might have never gotten in an accident while you drive, your risk of getting in one drastically increases as soon as you pick up the phone. Instead, put the phone in a place where you can’t easily reach it, use a no-distraction mode that blocks texts and calls, or set up hands-free driving.

Don’t Eat Behind the Wheel

Eating and driving at the same time might seem like a great way to save time. However, eating while driving is distracting. You might take your eyes off to reach for a drink or take a big bite out of your meal. During that time, a car, pedestrian, or another obstacle could pop up unexpectedly and cause you to get into an accident.

Eliminate this risk by eating before you leave, pulling over while you eat, or waiting to eat until you reach your destination. That way, you can fully focus on the road.

If you need assistance with your car accident or if you are facing any legal issues involving an accident, be sure to contact Jeeves Law Group.