Car accidents happen daily for a number of reasons. However, distracted driving, which is often texting while driving, is one of the main reasons for vehicle collisions. More drivers, regardless of age, are having a difficult time staying focused on the road while operating a vehicle. Drivers are distracted by their phones and may take calls, watch videos, play music, try to access apps, or text while they’re driving.
It is extremely important that people concentrate on driving when they’re behind the wheel to prevent accidents that could be significantly damaging or fatal. Avoiding texting while driving can make it easier for drivers to focus on the road and arrive at their destinations safely without injuring themselves or others. Here are five tips to avoid texting while driving.
1. Turn Your Phone to “Silent”
When you’re driving, adjust your phone to “silent”. This way, you won’t hear the phone ring or hear the notification to let you know that you have a text or social media update. When you don’t hear the sound, you won’t be as focused on the phone and you can keep your eyes and your mind on the road.
2. Place Your Phone Out of Reach
If you’re still tempted to pick up your phone while you’re driving to see if a colleague, friend, or family member is trying to get in touch with you, place the phone somewhere in the car where you know you can’t reach it. You can put the phone in a purse or backpack in the backseat of the car, or you can place your phone in the trunk. If you can’t see the phone or reach for it while you’re driving, it won’t distract you.
3. Download a Distracted Driving App
You can download an app on your phone so that when someone calls or texts you, they’ll get a message letting them know that you’re driving and can’t talk right away. This may also inspire your family and friends to practice alert driving by downloading the app themselves.
4. Choose a Designated Texter
If you’re driving with a passenger, give them access to your phone so they can text people back for you or take your calls while you’re driving. This will keep your hands free and reduce the stress of feeling like you have to respond to a call or message right away.
5. Pull Over If Necessary
If you’re driving and notice that a loved one has tried to reach you several times or you’re getting an urgent call from work, pull over to take the call. When you’re not on the road, you can concentrate on the conversation without putting yourself or other drivers in danger.
Statistics About Texting and Driving
When you text while driving, you’re 23 times more likely to get into a car accident. Research has also proven that 34% of drivers have admitted that they text while driving, which makes the roads especially dangerous. Experts have asserted that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents.
Several states have made texting while driving illegal and other states are working to make sure that distracted driving is against the law. If you want to keep yourself, your family, and other people on the road safe, don’t use your phone while you’re operating a motor vehicle
Bottom Line
Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you were involved in a car accident that involved a distracted driver. There are specific rules against texting while driving, and your attorney can assess the details of the case to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for injuries or damages.
About the author:
Wilma Wiliams is a law school graduate and a part-time freelance blogger, focused on various legal topics such as personal injury, and bankruptcy. Shes passionate about educating the public on fighting for their rights, which is why shes currently collaborating with Ask LLP: Lawyers for Justice, whilst actively sharing a part of her experience as a former lawyer.
