As a Du Bois area motorist, you are probably aware that a leading cause of motor vehicle collisions is distractions. You may even be guilty of driving while distracted. Driving with just one hand on the wheel, looking at the GPS or reaching for a phone may seem harmless, but these types of activities often lead to catastrophic injuries and death.
It is very easy to cause and become involved in a car accident when you take your eyes off the roads for a few seconds to multitask. Consider the following tips on how to avoid distracted driving accidents.
Handle all calls and texts before or after your trip
If you are waiting on a call or text, you may feel particularly tempted to be on high alert for any noises your phone makes. To avoid the distraction, make your calls and send your texts before you get in the car. Once you are in the driver’s seat, put your cellphone on silent and place it in a bag or in the center console or glove compartment of your vehicle to sidestep the temptation to answer any messages.
Practice patience
Rushing makes you more likely to make driving mistakes that could lead to a crash. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, and if you worry that you will miss an important call or text, make a plan to stop somewhere along the way to check your phone and answer any messages you receive.
Restrain everyone in the vehicle, including pets
As a parent of children or pets, you often take care of their needs while performing other tasks. However, if you do so while you are driving, you risk an accident. Not only does restraining your passengers keep them from being thrown from the vehicle in a crash, it also keeps them stationary so they do not need your constant attention.
By following these tips, you are doing your part to reduce the chances that you will be in a collision. If a multitasking motorist crashes into your vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the costs of the damages you suffer.
