California drivers who are prone to distractions behind the wheel will want to consider the following tips. By being more attentive motorists, they can avoid becoming statistics in the future. In 2015, distracted driving contributed to 3,477 deaths and 391,000 injuries in the U.S.
The first tip is to put away mobile devices like phones and tablets. Calling and texting are out of the question. Sending and reading text messages, according to the CDC, can take a driver’s eyes off the roadway for five seconds. If one is going 55 mph, this is like traveling the length of a football field with one’s eyes closed.
Even a GPS system can become a distraction. Programming the destination before leaving, however, will prevent drivers from having to press buttons while on the road. When possible, drivers should let a passenger navigate. Some may think that infotainment systems with touchscreen features and voice-based control will reduce distraction, but according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, this is not so.
Drowsy driving is also distracted driving. In fact, drowsiness will quadruple one’s risk for an accident. Other distractions include eating and talking with passengers. Drivers are encouraged to pull over to eat and to reduce distractions from passengers.
Someone who incurs an auto accident injury through little or no fault of their own may be eligible for compensation under a personal injury claim. The auto insurance company can be aggressive in denying the claim, however, so it’s often crucial to retain a lawyer. The lawyer could also hire third parties to bolster the case.
